WS Chronicle

Local men and women between the ages of 30 and 65 who have never been diagnosed with cancer are needed to participate in the American Cancer Society Cancer Prevention Study-3 (CPS-3), which will help researchers better understand the lifestyle, environmental and genetic factors that cause or prevent cancer.

“Many individuals diagnosed with cancer struggle to answer the question, ‘What caused my cancer?’ In many cases, we don’t know the answer,” said Alpa V. Patel, Ph.D., principal investigator of CPS-3. “CPS-3 will help us better understand what factors cause cancer, and once we know that, we can be better equipped to prevent cancer.”

Previous Cancer Prevention Studies (CPS-I and CPS-II) confirmed the link between cigarette smoking and lung cancer, demonstrated the link between larger waist size and increased death rates from cancer and other causes, and showed the considerable impact of air pollution on heart and lung conditions.

To enroll in the study, individuals will be asked to read and sign an informed consent form; complete a comprehensive survey packet that asks for information on lifestyle, behavior and other factors related to health; have waist circumference measured; and give a small blood sample. Upon completion of this process, the Society will send periodic follow-up surveys for participants to update their information as well as annual newsletters with study updates and results.

Local residents can make an appointment online at cps3triad.org or by calling 1-888-604-5888 for the community enrollment to be held Feb. 8-16 at the following locations:

• Winston Salem First, 3730 University Parkway, Saturday, Feb. 9, 9 a.m.-2:30 p.m.;

• Calvary Baptist Church, 5000 Country Club Road, Friday, Feb. 15, 8-11:30 a.m. and Saturday, Feb. 16, 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m.;

• American Cancer Society Office, 4A Oak Branch Drive in Greensboro, on Tuesday, Feb.12, 4-7:30 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 13, 10 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Thursday, Feb.14, 2-5:30 p.m. and Saturday, Feb. 16, 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m.