NORWICH – County residents, and participants in this year’s Relay For Life, will have the opportunity to take part in a national study conducted by the Department of Epidemiology and Surveillance Research at the American Cancer Society (ACS), the third such Cancer Prevention Study (CPS-3) it has funded.
ACS Director of Special Events Denise Woods reported that the two previous studies focused on the effects tobacco and aspirin use, obesity, lack of physical activity, poor diet, medication, vitamins and hormone use have in regards to cancer prevention, and added that the “goal is to eliminate cancer as a major health concern through early detection, prevention and positive lifestyle changes.”
This year’s study will focus primarily on genetic, lifestyle and environmental issues, as they affect cancer prevention, and men and women between 30 and 65 years of age, with no personal history of cancer and willing to make a long-term commitment to the study, are eligible, according to Woods, who added that participants for the study are not required to take part in the Relay For Life event, although they are welcome to.
“We’ve made huge advances in cancer prevention due to these studies,” stated Woods. “This is a truly unique opportunity for local residents to participate in a national study, and just one more way for them to give back and support the cause.”
Relay For Life event co-chair Marie DeSarro said all those involved with the local branch of the organization “feel pretty special” for being selected for the study, and reported that Norwich is one of only eight New York Relays targeted for CPS-3.
“It’s exciting to me that our community will have a chance to participate in something that will benefit the children and grandchildren of those that take part,” stated DeSarro. “With technology the way it is now, as compared to the past, I can’t imagine what this study is going to do for future generations.”
Locally, the ACS is seeking a minimum of 185 volunteers for CPS-3, according to DeSarro, who invited local individuals, businesses, organizations and schools to take part in the national study, and stressed that Relay For Life of Chenango officials are readily available for any questions or concerns people may have.
As a cancer survivor, CPS-3 Chairperson Pam Franklin cannot participate, but said she’s grateful for the opportunity to encourage others to help out.
“It’s very exciting being a part of this nationwide study and that Chenango County was chosen,” she said.
To enroll in CPS-3, those interested must visit the Relay For Life event between 5 and 9 p.m. on July 16 at the Chenango County Fairgrounds, fill out a questionnaire and give a blood sample (taken by a Quest Diagnostics professional). Additional questionnaires will be mailed to participants every few years and all information is kept strictly confidential.
For more information on CPS-3 or the Relay For Life call 1-888-604-5888, visit cancer.org/cps3 or relayforlife.org, or contact Pam Franklin at 337-4184.