On May 17, the Relay For Life of Canton in Michigan kicked off Cancer Prevention Study 3 (CPS-3) in the Great Lakes Division by enrolling more than 300 participants. CPS-3 is an opportunity to participate in actual cancer research and there will be five more Relay For Life events in the Great Lakes Division this year with CPS-3 sites.

The study, which will enroll a diverse population of half a million people across the United States, will help researchers better understand the lifestyle, environmental, and genetic factors that cause or prevent cancer, and will further efforts to eliminate cancer as a major health concern for future generations.

"Americans believe cancer is the single most important health problem they, personally, could face in the future," said Jamie Chapman, ACS Associate Director for the Metro Detroit Area Service Center. "CPS-3 is their chance to participate in research right here in our local community that will impact this and future generations."

The commitment of participants has been vital to the success of past studies. Participating in research studies allows people to contribute to a better understanding of how to prevent disease. For CPS-3, this means a once in a lifetime opportunity to contribute to knowledge that will reduce the burden of cancer for this and future generations.

Entire Relay For Life teams and families enrolled in CPS-3 at the Canton site, including families who live across the country. One early enrollee heard about the study from an out of state relative. She and her husband enrolled in Canton, and they have more family in Indiana who are planning on attending enrollments there.

Participants must be between the ages of 30 and 65, must never have been diagnosed with cancer, and must be willing to make a long-term commitment to the study, which simply means filling out follow-up surveys at their home periodically. To enroll in the study, individuals will be asked to complete a brief written survey, provide a waist measurement, and give a small blood sample at select Relay For Life enrollment sites.

Within 3-4 months after enrolling, participants will receive a baseline survey that will take about 45-60 minutes to complete. Follow-up questionnaires will be sent every few years over at least 20 years. For the first time in more than 50 years of conducting these kinds of studies, the Society is making it possible for participants to complete their baseline and follow-up questionnaires online. All information provided is kept completely confidential.

"While science can do a lot to explain the biology and genetics of cancer, some of the most valuable information we have is a direct result of the contributions of dedicated individuals over several generations," said Dr. Eugenia E. Calle, American Cancer Society director of analytic epidemiology, who is overseeing the study.

"We are once again looking to the dedication, compassion, and generosity of Americans to come through and help us provide answers that we know will save lives and improve the outlook for future generations."

For more information or to learn how to become involved with CPS-3, visit www.cancer.org/cps3.

Pictured: CPS-3 Chair Marion Rozum, State Representative Phil LaJoy, and Event Chair Jan Jacobs kick off the first CPS-3 enrollment site in Michigan (top right); A research participant provides a blood sample in the CPS-3 tent (bottom left)

Return to the VOICES homepage