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What Is Informed Consent?
Informed consent is a process during which you
learn key facts about a clinical study before you decide whether
or not to join. These facts include details about the study
approach and tests you may have, and the benefits and risks
that could result. (See the section Should I Take Part in a Cancer Prevention
Study?)
The doctor or nurse will
give you a form that goes over key facts. It's called a consent
form. If you decide to take part in the study, you'll be asked
to sign this form. You can take the form home and discuss it
with your  family, friends, or others before you make
your decision. If you do decide to join the study, be sure to
ask for a copy of the consent form so you can look it over at
any time.
Don't be afraid to
ask questions until you get all the facts you need to decide.
This is an important decision, and you should feel at ease with
the choice you make. In fact, you should feel free to ask the
research team questions at any time.
Informed consent is more
than a piece of paper; it's a process that lasts throughout
a study. For example, you may be told about new risks or other
findings from the study, and asked to sign a new consent form.
As always, the choice to join or to continue is yours.
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National Cancer Institute
April 1999
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