A number of medical advances have arisen from clinical trials. Sometimes, they can even revolutionize medicine. For example, a clinical study in Pittsburgh determined that the lumpectomy (known as a “breast-conserving” procedure) was as effective in breast cancer treatment as a mastectomy, or full breast removal, said Karen Snyder, a manager at Akron’s Austen BioInnovation Institute.
A series of informational meetings about the benefits of medical health research kicked off last week at the Akron-Summit County Public Library’s main library in downtown Akron.
Although there sometimes are risks involved with medical studies, it’s a chance to make a difference and help discover new treatments. “We want to increase the amount of research in the area, but to do that we need volunteers, and we need informed volunteers,” she added.
“We’re going to provide examples of when research made a difference,” said Snyder, who manages the Austen BioInnovation Institute’s Center for Clinical and Community Health Improvement. “The main purpose is to increase awareness of the process and what it means and how important it is for people to participate in clinical trials.”
At the informational meeting, residents will learn which questions to ask before taking part in a study, as well as how to navigate the informed consent agreement, which can be up to 12 pages long, said Snyder. At the library meeting, staff will be on hand to share information about research and community health resources.
And if a study or trial doesn’t feel right, it’s important to make the right decision for yourself, said Snyder, even if a doctor approves. “If it doesn’t feel right, you can walk away.”
The target audience for these presentations are ages 18 to 85-plus.
Other meetings will round out the local informational tour:
• Nov. 1, 7 to 8 p.m., at the Kenmore Branch Library, 969 Kenmore Blvd.
• Nov. 10, 7 to 8 p.m., at the North Branch Library, 183 E. Cuyahoga Falls Ave.
• Nov. 17, 7 to 8 p.m., at the Maple Valley Library, 1187 Copley Road
• Nov. 22, 7 to 8 p.m., at the Ellet Branch Library, 2470 E. Market St.
For more info, contact Syder at . Refreshments will be served at the meetings.
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