The National Cancer Research Network (NCRN) was formed three years ago with the aim to provide the NHS infrastructure to support and improve patient care by speeding up access to the best treatment and care, provide information and support to our patients and improve the speed of research by increasing the number of patients into clinical trials. In the Thames Valley Cancer Research Network (TVCRN) accrual has increased from 2.7% in 2001−2 to 8.3% in 2003−4. The infrastructure to support research is in place, clinicians are informed and have relevant nursing and administrative support to offer trials to patients and cope with the increased numbers of patients taking part. There appears to be a deficit in the research knowledge and understanding of the general public. It is easier and less stressful to 'opt out' when faced with a new diagnosis and complicated treatment options than to consider, in addition, a clinical trial. By measuring accrual and evaluating the patients' response to information about research I intend to investigate the feasibility of a larger study to provide the evidence to investigate the need for pre−first−visit research information. Thus investigating the requirement, importance and need for information for the patients before their first oncology appointment and the general public.