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ACS: Volunteers sought for cancer study
Thursday, July 19, 2012
By Dianne Byers Staff Writer
According to the American Cancer Society, one of every two men and one of every three women will be confronted with a cancer diagnosis in their lifetime.
In an effort to reduce the numbers, ACS is looking for volunteers to take part in the third phase of a cancer prevention study.
CPS 3, open to individuals ages 30-65 who have never been diagnosed with cancer, will take place in Clearfield Sept. 13-14 and in St. Marys, Sept. 11-12.
According to Mandi Billotte, health initiatives manager for ACS central region, the first phase of the study performed in 1959-1972 discovered the connection between cigarette smoking and cancer and the second analysis done in the 1980s through the 1990s found a link between obesity and cancer and secondhand smoke and cancer.
During the third phase, for which volunteers are currently being recruited, ACS's Epidemiology Research Program, sponsors of the study, plan is "to dig deeper into lifestyle," she said noting the goal of the CPS 3 is to better understand what environmental, daily life or genetic factors may cause or prevent cancer over a period of time. Information from the long-term study may help future generations eliminate cancer as a major health concern, Billotte said.
ACS hopes to enroll a minimum of 300,000 men and women from across the United States - 300 of those from Clearfield and Elk counties.
Participation is open to both women and men who have never been diagnosed with cancer. Information supplied by Billotte, said the project's goal is to determine ways to prevent and treat cancer so it is important to examine the structure of those who have not had the disease and to follow-up with the participants over time to determine whether circumstances have changed. "By doing so, ACS is able to understand the differences in lifestyle, environment and genetic factors between people who get cancer and those who do not, what the likely risk factors are for cancer and how to best prevent the disease in the future," the ACS information states.
Agreeing to participate is relatively simple, she said. Those interested may make an appointment to visit Clearfield Hospital's 440 Front Place Sept. 13 from noon to 7 p.m. or Sept. 14 from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. where they will have their waists measured, complete a short survey and have a small sample of blood drawn.
Those participating can expect to spend 20-30 minutes at the appointment.
Billotte said at last night's kickoff held at Clearfield Hospital to inform volunteers from various communities who have agreed to share details of the project with the public, following the appointment, volunteers will receive a more comprehensive baseline survey, asking for additional details on a person's health and lifestyle.
All information from the appointment and the surveys are kept confidential, she said. Participants will receive periodic surveys throughout the study period to record any changes and update volunteers' original information.
They will also be sent an annual newsletter updating them on the progress of CPS 3.
To enroll, those interested should visit www.clearfieldelkcps.org or call 1-888-604-5888. Information about the study is available at www.cancer.org/cps3.
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