Clinical trials are research studies designed to find new ways to treat or prevent cancer. Research studies often compare the standard treatment with a new treatment that doctors hope will be better.

In the past, clinical trials were sometimes seen as the last resort for patients who had no other treatment choices. But today, there are research studies for patients who want to prevent cancer and for patients in the earliest stages of cancer. Each study has rules about who can participate -- such as age, type of cancer or prior treatment. Think about asking your doctor if you can take part in a clinical trial.