Understanding the cancer study research design and how to evaluate results [Cancer.net]
Doctors and scientists conduct research studies to find better ways to prevent and treat cancer. Depending on the questions they want to answer, researchers can design these studies in different ways. No study design is perfect. Each has strengths and drawbacks. It is important to understand a study’s design. By doing this, you can understand the results to know if they apply to your situation.
In cancer research, there are 2 main types of research studies:
Experimental studies. This type of study provides an intervention, such as a new treatment. The intervention is given to a group of people. Then, researchers compare their results to those of another group that does not receive the intervention. This other group is known as the control group. The researchers choose who does and does not receive the intervention either randomly or through a selection process. Experimental studies help researchers learn more about how cancer starts or spreads. These studies can also test new imaging techniques and explore quality of life issues.
Observational studies. This type of study involves observing groups of people in a natural setting and looking at a specific result. A result may include whether 1 group of people has more cancer diagnoses than another group. In these studies, the researchers cannot control the intervention, such as a person’s weight or whether they took vitamin supplements. These studies are often described as epidemiologic. Epidemiology involves studying how different risks cause or spread a disease in a community.
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