‘Pot luck’ that sees patients miss out on cancer trials

SOME hospitals are up to six times more likely than others to offer cancer patients the chance to take part in potentially life-saving clinical trials.

Only one patient in ten at some trusts speaks to their doctor about taking part in research, compared with six in ten at the best-performing trusts and an average of three in ten, a survey of more than 72,000 cancer patients found.

For some with incurable cancers, taking part in a trial might be their only hope of extending their life. Studies show that taking part in research makes patients feel more satisfied with their overall care, but experts say time pressures on medics might deter them from discussing the option.

Analysis of data from the National Cancer Patient Experience Survey, carried out by the National Cancer Research Institute, found that it could be ‘pot luck’ whether doctors who took time to discuss research with them.

Patient advocate Richard Stephens, co-author of the study, said: ‘There should never be such a big discrepancy between best and not-so-good.

‘Every trust in the country does research of some kind, although many people aren’t aware of this.’

Emlyn Samuel, of Cancer Research UK, said: ‘Research is the key to improving outcomes for people affected by cancer so it’s crucial that all NHS Trusts are involved, offering patients all possible opportunities to participate, regardless of where they live.’