Diversity in clinical trials

How diversity in clinical trials makes healthcare more equal

Clinical trials are a way for researchers to test potential new medical treatments.¹ To understand how these treatments work in different people, clinical trials should include and represent all kinds of people.² This inclusivity – bringing together participants of different ages, ethnicities, genders and backgrounds – is called diversity.

Here’s why diversity in clinical trials is important, and why it matters.

Healthcare that works for you and others

Everyone responds to illnesses and treatments differently. Things like age, gender, and ethnicity can influence your likelihood of developing certain diseases and affect how your body reacts to medication.² This is why it’s so important to include wide range of people in clinical trials.

Why everyone matters

Diverse representation in clinical trials doesn’t just help individual participants – it can have widespread benefits. For example, a new treatment that has been tested in a diverse group could show benefit in a broader population compared to a treatment tested in a less diverse group.³

Click here to read about the importance of including sexual and gender minorities in clinical trials

Patient-focused infographic about improving inclusion of sexual and gender minorities in cancer research and explaining how cancer clinical trials work. It describes what a cancer clinical trial is, noting that treatments go through extensive testing to ensure safety, effectiveness, and quality before approval. The image explains why clinical trials are important, including improving treatments, diagnostics, and quality of life, and helping determine whether new approaches are better than existing options. A visual timeline shows the stages of research, from pre-clinical testing and clinical trial phases one to three, through regulatory approval and post-approval safety monitoring. The infographic emphasises that many potential treatments are tested but only a small number are approved for patient use.

Infographic explaining why inclusion of LGBTQI+ people in cancer clinical trials is important and how trials work. It highlights that cancer affects people of all backgrounds and that including sexual and gender minorities helps ensure trial results reflect the wider population and address specific risks and healthcare needs. The image explains who can take part in a cancer clinical trial and notes that healthcare teams discuss suitability, provide full information, and ensure informed consent, safety monitoring, and confidentiality. It outlines potential benefits, including enhanced medical support, better understanding of LGBTQI+ health needs, and earlier access to new treatments. It also outlines potential risks, such as side effects, uncertainty about effectiveness, increased medical visits, and possible financial impact. The image explains that after a trial ends, progress may continue to be monitored and results are published to inform future treatment decisions.

Informed consent

The term “informed consent” is important in clinical trials – but what does it mean?

Informed consent is the process of making sure you fully understand the details of the clinical trial before you agree to take part. A member of your healthcare team should explain the aim of the trial, what taking part involves in terms of appointments, tests and assessments, and the potential risks and benefits associated with joining.⁴

Interpreters or written translations should be available for people whose first language isn’t English, to help with understanding every detail of the clinical trial.⁴

Moving towards a fairer healthcare

Thankfully, diversity in clinical trials is no longer just a recommendation – it’s becoming the norm. Focus is being placed on making sure people – regardless of background – know that clinical trials are available, and they have a fair chance to take part.^3,11

Why taking part matters

Joining a clinical trial is a meaningful way to help improve healthcare. It may offer you access to potential new treatments while also helping researchers develop better medicines that could benefit people for years to come.⁴

If you are interested in taking part in a clinical trial, speak to your healthcare team. They will be able to talk to you about which clinical trials may be suitable for you.

If you haven’t already, then take a read of the Understanding clinical trials article to learn more.

If you would like to find out more about the importance of ethnic diversity in cancer clinical trials, read the articles below. These are available in English, Polish, Urdu and Romanian.