Total Cancer Care FAQ

TCC is an observational study, meaning it does not involve testing new treatments like a clinical trial would.

Instead, TCC follows your standard medical care without affecting your treatment decisions. By joining, you’re helping researchers learn more about cancer to improve future care.

A research coordinator will talk with you about the study and answer any questions you have. If you're interested, they will go over an Informed Consent Form, which explains everything in detail. This process usually takes about 5–10 minutes.

TCC participation is completely voluntary, and you can withdraw at any time. If you choose to participate, you’ll be giving permission for the following:

• Long-term follow-up: We may ask to track your health over time to support research.
• Use of excess tissue: Samples from biopsies or surgeries may be used for research, including genetic studies.
• Collection of additional samples: This may include extra blood, saliva, stool, or cheek swabs.
• Access to medical records.
• Collaboration with researchers: Your samples may be studied by pharmaceutical or biotech companies working on new treatments.
• Future contact: We may reach out to see if you’d like to participate in future research.

While you are part of the Total Cancer Care program, samples will not be collected at every scheduled appointment—only when they are medically relevant to ongoing research.

If you participate, samples may include:

• Blood (typically extra blood drawn at routine visits)
• Tissue (leftover from surgeries or biopsies)
• Stool
• Cheek swabs
• Health questionnaire

These samples help researchers better understand cancer and develop new treatments.

Anyone 18 years or older can join, including those who are diagnosed with cancer, at risk for cancer, or even those without cancer. Family members and friends of patients are also welcome to participate.

Sample collections for research are only done when necessary and typically occur during your routine scheduled visits. Occasionally, you may be invited for a separate research visit, but this is entirely optional.

TCC is a biobank, meaning your samples are stored for research. They may be used immediately or saved for future studies. Researchers use these samples to study cancer, develop new treatments, and improve patient care.

If our research identifies results that may impact your care, your clinical care team will reach out to you. They will provide more information about the findings and, if needed, order additional clinical tests. 

Yes, this program is available at all our locations. 

Yes! You do not need to be undergoing active treatment to remain involved. Patients under surveillance can still participate and we encourage you to stay engaged if you’re interested. 

TCC fosters collaboration between researchers and patients by: 

• Providing opportunities for patients to engage with the Patient Advisory Council.
• Offering ways for patients to stay involved in research and advocacy over time.