The design of cancer research studies can vary greatly depending on the type of question being asked. Key study designs include:
1. Observational Studies: These studies observe outcomes without intervening. They can be prospective (following a group over time) or retrospective (looking at existing data). 2. Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs): Known as the gold standard in clinical research, RCTs randomly assign participants to different treatment groups to compare outcomes, minimizing bias. 3. Case-Control Studies: These studies compare people with cancer (cases) to those without (controls) to identify potential risk factors. 4. Cohort Studies: These follow a group of people over time to see who develops cancer and which factors might contribute to it.
