The treating doctor or the GP might suggest a clinical trial as an option. Family, friends or carers can also help find available clinical trials online.

It is important to learn about clinical trials from different sources. Look at general information and also specific clinical trials. 

Determining if a trial is suitable for a person will depend on many factors, including the questions the trial is trying to answer. Most clinical trials have specific characteristics required for participation, for example, the type of cancer, age and how well the person is currently feeling.

The trial team will ask questions and request tests to check if a person can join the trial.

These guidelines are called eligibility criteria and it is specific for each trial. To become an eligible trial 'participant', a person must meet all inclusion criteria and have none of the characteristics listed in the exclusion criteria. 

During the eligibility review, the trial doctor and the trial team will obtain the participant`s medical history and may ask for additional tests.

People who volunteer to join a clinical trial will be asked to sign a Participant Information Sheet and Consent Form (PICF). This document explains in plain language all aspects of trial participation, tests performed, visit schedule and duration of the trial. It also contains the contact details of the trial team, in case the participant needs to contact them. 

The PICF ensures volunteers understand their involvement a trial, but it is not a legal contract. 

Discussion with a treating doctor or health care team is encouraged. It is also recommended that family or carers be involved in the decision to enrol in a clinical trial or not.

The research team will look after all aspects of the trial and coordinate the care, including visits to the clinic, tests and consultations. It is important to follow the schedule as this will ensure the participant's safety during the trial. 

A person can withdraw from a clinical trial at any time and still receive the best available treatment.

The trial team may still want to check on participants' wellbeing from time to time, either by phone or asking participants to visit the hospital. These follow up visits are important to collect additional information about the research and the participant's health.