
Last year in the UK over 60,000 cancer patients enrolled on clinical trials aimed at improving cancer treatments and making them available to all.
This was a pilot study to see if it would be possible to carry out a larger trial looking at whether or not selenium can reduce the risk of cancer. This trial was supported by Cancer Research UK.
A study in the USA had shown that a regular small dose of an essential mineral called selenium appeared to reduce the risk of developing cancer by over one third. But the study needed to be repeated to be sure the result was correct.
Researchers wanted to find out if taking extra selenium daily would significantly lower the number of people getting cancer in the general population. The trial began with a pilot study (feasibility study) in the UK. A pilot study is a small study that is carried out to iron out any problems in the design.
This study was looking at whether it would be possible to carry out a larger trial. It was not designed to produce results itself.
Please note: In order to join a trial you will need to discuss it with your doctor, unless otherwise specified.
Dr Margaret Rayman
Cancer Research UK
This is Cancer Research UK trial number CRUK/99/002.
Freephone 0808 800 4040
Last year in the UK over 60,000 cancer patients enrolled on clinical trials aimed at improving cancer treatments and making them available to all.