Journal of Hope

Those diagnosed with cancer do have options for treatment.  Guided by the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, The Minnie Pearl Cancer Foundation recognizes that "the best management of any cancer patient is participation in a clinical trial."

A clinical trial is not the first step in the development of a new drug or treatment.  In fact, it is one of the last.  Clinical trials (or research studies) are designed to answer questions about new ways of finding and diagnosing, treating and preventing cancer, which will improve the current standard of care.  Benefits of participating in a trial include access to promising new treatment that may be better than the current standard of care; access to high-quality expert medical care at leading cancer treatment and research facilities; and an opportunity to participate in efforts to find more effective cancer treatment options for others facing this disease.

The Minnie Pearl Cancer Foundation helps answer the fears of joining a trial.  Our role is to share information, assist in exploring options, and assist in developing questions that those considering a clinical trial may ask their physicians.  Knowing about and understanding the benefits of cancer-related clinical trials help those impacted by cancer to make an informed decision about treatment options.

The MPCF offers transportation assistance to those breast cancer patients in Tennessee whose travel for treatment poses financial hardship. This transportation assistance is available through generous funding from the Greater Nashville Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure and from the Tennessee Breast Cancer Control Coalition.