Barriers to cancer clinical trials (CCT) participation: “We have met the enemy and he is us.”
6567 Background: A web based survey of attitudes and awareness of cancer survivors (Ca. surv) towards CCT was performed from 3–4, 2005. The survey was developed jointly by the Coalition of Cancer Cooperative Groups and Michigan State University (MSU) and executed by MSU and Knowledge Networks (KN). Methods: Ca surv. were obtained from a panel of 40,000 adults through KN based on a US household probablility sample who agree to weekly surveys in exchange for a free MSN box and ISP service. 2,029 panel members reported a cancer diagnosis (dx); 1,788/2,029 (88%) agreed to participate. Results: About 10% of Ca surv. are aware of CCT opportunities at the time of dx. 73% become aware through a physician (ASCO 2006: 6061). Ca surv. were asked to rank the most trusted sources of health care information from a list of 23 categories on a 0 (least) to 10 (most) scale. Physicians scored the highest (8.6) followed by information from the NCI (8.4) and reports from societies of cancer physicians/researchers (8.3). Although not significantly different from each other, all were significantly different from the other 20 sources (p<.05). CCT aware Ca surv. were asked whether the physician discouraged, was neutral or encouraged participation or made a little, moderate or great deal of effort to educate them and find a CCT. Enrollment (%) was directly related (p< 0.01) to the perceived physician involvement as follows: Encouragement: discouraged (0); neutral (16); encouraged (84); Educate: little (22); moderate (41%); great deal (64%); Find trial: little (23); moderate (39); great deal (82%). Of the 90% of Ca surv. who were not aware of CCT, 65% indicated that they would be somewhat or very receptive to enrollment if they had been made aware of an opportunity. Conclusion: Ca surv. are not CCT averse a priori. The physician is the most trusted, primary source of awareness and influence in decisions concerning CCT. Although there are myriad reported barriers to CCT participation, increased CCT participation hinges upon physician commitment and communication; conversely, a lack thereof may be the greatest barrier to increased CCT participation. No significant financial relationships to disclose.