research

More than 2,100 people across the Division enroll in CPS-3
For several decades, the American Cancer Society has seen many victories in the fight against cancer. One of the Society’s points of pride is our outstanding success with research, having funded 42 scientists early in their careers who have gone on to win the Nobel Prize.

This year, the Great Lakes Division’s focus on research reached a whole new level when it was selected to host enrollment events for the Society’s third Cancer Prevention Study (CPS-3), a long-term study to determine the lifestyle, environment, nutrition, and behavior factors that can cause or prevent cancer.

This year, the Great Lakes Division held CPS-3 enrollment sites at select Relay For Life events in Indiana and Michigan. Participants were asked to provide a waist measurement, small blood sample collected by a certified phlebotomist, fill out a brief survey, and agree to complete follow-up surveys every other year for 20 to 30 years.

CPS-3 is an opportunity for adults ages 30 to 65 who have never been diagnosed with cancer to enroll in what will undoubtedly be one of the most insightful studies into the lifestyle and behavior choices that cause or prevent cancer, helping the American Cancer Society find a cure to a disease that takes too much from too many.

Previous cancer prevention studies have established the link between smoking and lung cancer, shown that obesity increases one’s risk for several cancers, and linked aspirin use to a lower death rate from colon cancer.

As with many of American Cancer Society events and activities, CPS-3 is a volunteer-driven program and this lifesaving research could not be conducted without the help from volunteers. To date, the dedicated volunteers in Indiana and Michigan who have organized the event in collaboration with national and division-based ACS staff have succeeded in enrolling more than 2,100 people in the study in 2008! These volunteers have worked hard to help spread the news in the fight against cancer and their passion and commitment to that fight has created outstanding successes at all CPS-3 events.

Teresa Fitzgerald, volunteer CPS-3 chair at the Relay For Life of Berrien County, was diagnosed with Stage IV melanoma several years ago. Because of breakthroughs in research, she is now in remission and able to continue fighting the disease in other ways, such as encouraging enrollment in CPS-3.

"Someone gave me a second chance at life with the opportunity to participate in research that led to that clinical trial," said Teresa. "Now, you can be someone else’s second chance by participating in CPS-3."

ACS is proud of their many volunteers who strive to make a difference in the world by aiding in the fight against cancer. Their commitment to fighting cancer regardless of varying weather and economic conditions is strongly valued.

Thanks to their efforts and constant support, the Society can conduct groundbreaking studies such as CPS-3 that will hopefully lead to new treatment options and prevention methods, eliminating suffering and improving the quality of life for all people.

To learn more about CPS-3 and how you can get involved, visit www.cancer.org/cps3.

Pictured: CPS-3 volunteers at Canton, Michigan (top right); CPS-3 ribbon cutting at Relay For Life of Dearborn and Ohio Counties in Indiana (bottom left)

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