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Research and new methods

How to read the results: simple questions

Research results are full of percentages, curves and abbreviations. A few simple questions make them easier to understand.

Last updated: ~2 min read
Two curves
Figure 1.Two curves — How to read the results: simple questions

01Short answer

Ask: who was it tested in (disease, age, stage; are they like you)? What was it compared with? What is the main result: survival, remission or only a lab measure? How big is the difference? Relative figures ("cuts the risk by 30%") and absolute figures (how many people in 100 see a difference) can look very different. How long was follow-up? What about side effects and quality of life? Statistical significance means the difference is unlikely to be chance, but not always that the benefit is large. Interpret all of this with your doctor.

02Simple explanation

Who was it tested in?

Compared with what?

The absolute difference.

How long was follow-up?

03Scientific explanation

NCI: health information should be judged by its source, evidence and date, and research results are best discussed with your doctor.

NCI: new treatments are tested step by step, from the laboratory to clinical trials; only those proven safe and beneficial become standard care.

04What happens in the body?

Relative and absolute risk

A relative percentage can be large while the absolute difference is small.

A magnifying glass lying on printed charts beside a laptop
Figure 2.Reading the results carefully

Confidence interval

The likely range of the true result.

Relative and absolute
Figure 3.Relative and absolute.

How to read the news

Research news brings hope, but not every advance suits everyone. Look at who it was tested in, at what phase and in how many people.

Talk to your doctor

Show your doctor what you have read; they will explain how it relates to your diagnosis and treatment. Do not change your treatment on your own.

05From research news to a conversation: four steps

Read, check, ask, decide together.

Read — From a trusted source.1ReadFrom a trusted source.
Check — Phase, participants, result.2CheckPhase, participants, result.
Ask — Show your doctor.3AskShow your doctor.
Decide — Together, without rushing.4DecideTogether, without rushing.
SourceA trusted site.
DoctorA personal explanation.
SafetyNot changing treatment yourself.

06Key points at a glance

TopicIn brief
Relative and absolute riskA relative percentage can be large while the absolute difference is small.
Confidence intervalThe likely range of the true result.
How to read the newsResearch news brings hope, but not every advance suits everyone. Look at who it was tested in, at what phase and in how many people.
Talk to your doctorShow your doctor what you have read; they will explain how it relates to your diagnosis and treatment. Do not change your treatment on your own.

07Key terms

Endpoint
The main result measured.
Statistical significance
A low probability that a difference is due to chance.
Clinical trial
Testing a new treatment with volunteers.
Evidence
A result confirmed by reliable research.

08Key points

  • Ask.
  • Compare.
  • Interpret together.
  • Check the source.
  • Talk to your doctor.

09Frequently asked questions

What does "halves the risk" mean?

Look at absolute numbers: for example, from 4 to 2 in 100.

How do I read the curves?

Ask your doctor; the key is which line is higher and by how much.

Is this advance right for me?

Only your treating doctor can say, based on your diagnosis, stage and condition.

10Questions for your doctor

Take these questions to your appointment. The ones you save are collected on the “My questions” page and stay on this device only.

  1. What does "halves the risk" mean?

  2. How do I read the curves?

  3. Is this advance right for me?

My questions

12Sources

  1. National Cancer Institute. Using Trusted Resources
  2. National Cancer Institute. NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms: overall survival
  3. National Cancer Institute. What Are Clinical Trials?
  4. National Cancer Institute. Phases of Clinical Trials
  5. National Cancer Institute. Childhood Cancers
  6. National Cancer Institute (NCI). NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms: graft-versus-host disease
  7. National Cancer Institute. NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms: tyrosine kinase inhibitor
  8. NMDP (Be The Match). About transplant
  9. National Cancer Institute. NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms: cytokine release syndrome
  10. National Cancer Institute. NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms: mutation
Medical disclaimerThis information is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.
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