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Complete this checklist which was created by the National Cancer Institute when you start looking for a cancer related clinical trial:
  • What kind of cancer do you have?  (Write down the full name)
  • Where did the cancer first start? Many cancers spread to the bones, liver, or elsewhere. However, the type of cancer you have is determined by where it first showed up. For example, breast cancer that spreads to the bone is still breast cancer.
  • What is the cancer's tell type. If you don't know, ask your doctor or look in your pathology report. (Your pathology report is the description of cells and tissues made by a pathologist based on microscopic evidence, and sometimes used to make a diagnosis of a disease.)
  • If there is a solid tumor:
    • What size is it?  
    • Where is it located?  (If the tumor has spread, list all locations) 
  • What stage is the cancer? The stage describes the extent of cancer in the body and whether it has spread from the original site. There are different staging systems for different cancers.
  • Have you had cancer before, different from the one you have now?  If so, answer the above questions for the other cancer as well.
  • What is your current performance status? Your doctor can provide the answer. It relates to how well you can perform ordinary tasks and carry out the activities of daily living.
  • If you have not yet had any treatment for cancer, what treatment(s) have been recommended to you?
  • If you have had treatment for cancer, list the treatments. For example, type of surgery, chemotherapy, immunotherapy or radiation.
  • Concerning your bone marrow function:  (blood tests that check whether your blood count is normal):
    • White blood cell count
    • Platelet count
    • Hemoglobin/hematocrit
  • Liver function (blood tests that check whether your liver function is normal):
    • Bilirubin
    • Transaminases
  • Renal function (blood test that checks whether your kidney function is normal): Serum creatinine