A cancer diagnosis is confronting to anyone and was no less so to Dave Hill from Western Australia. After receiving the news that he had throat cancer in June last year, Dave decided to join the TROG 12.03 EAT trial through Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital. 

“As strange as it may sound, the news, though disturbing, was not unexpected given my symptoms. However, the one thing I remember is the clarity that swept over me. I realised in a moment that before me lay a journey and that I was going to remain positive and put my trust in the hands of health professionals,” Dave said.

“At the onset of seven weeks of radiotherapy and chemotherapy, I was asked if I was interested in participating in a clinical trial. This involved regular contact with trial coordinators and included interviews, being weighed etc. and focused on maintaining good nutrition during both the treatment and post-treatment phase. Of course, I was more than happy to help out.”

“The trial fitted around my treatment times, the staff always friendly, supportive and accommodating. A no-brainer really.”

“My very first visit to the Cancer Clinic at Sir Charles Gardiner Hospital made me realise just how important it is to find out all we can about this dreaded disease and how we can help combat it. Clinical trials offer cancer patients an opportunity to fight back and the thought that progress is being made all the time with the help of these trials in diagnosing and treating this disease gives me great hope for the future.”