Taking part in the FOCUS trial.

If you have advanced colorectal cancer your cancer specialist may have asked if you would like to take part in the FOCUS trial. This section explains what is involved in this trial. You may find it helpful to show this information to your family, friends or GP and to discuss the trial with them before you make up your mind.

By taking part in the FOCUS trial, you will be helping to improve doctors’ understanding of the best way to treat advanced colorectal cancer. However, taking part in the trial is voluntary. You should only agree to take part if you are happy with what you are being asked to do. It is important to remember that you can change your mind at any time and stop having the treatment in the trial. In this case, information will continue to be collected about your progress, by regular checks with your cancer specialist. If you decide not to take part, your cancer specialist will explain to you the best standard treatment available and you will be offered this.

When you have read this information you may still have questions you would like to ask your doctor. You may find it helpful to make a note of these as you go along so that you don’t forget them. You may also want to talk to someone independent about your cancer or the trial. You will find relevant organisations in our organisations database.