The American Cancer Society is seeking local residents near Merced County who are willing to participate in a landmark new research study that could help cancer prevention.
With hopes to change the face of cancer for future generations, the American Cancer Society is looking for men and women between the ages of 30 and 65, who have never been diagnosed with cancer, to participate in their Cancer Prevention Study-3.
By recruiting up to half a million men and women across the nation and Puerto Rico, the American Cancer Society seeks to put together data using the CPS-3 regarding lifestyle, environmental and genetic factors that cause or prevent cancer, helping build on evidence from a previous series of studies that began in the 1950s.
According to the American Cancer Society, previous studies have played a significant role in understanding cancer prevention and risk while contributing to the scientific basis and development of public health guidelines and recommendations.
“Being part of the study will enable our researchers to better understand what factors cause and prevent cancer,” said Charaighn Sesock, director of media relations at the American Cancer Society.
Similar studies in the past, including the Hammond-Horn Study and CPS-I and II, have confirmed the link between cigarette smoking and lung cancer, as well as verifying the link between larger waist sizes and increased death rates from cancer and other causes. Such studies have also brought to light the significant impact of air pollution on heart and lung conditions.
“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.”
Four enrollment opportunities will be held in Merced County, at the following dates and times: 3:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Nov. 13 at the Castle Family Health Centers in Atwater; 6:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. on Nov. 14 at the Mercy Medical Pavilion in Merced; 8 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. on Nov. 15 at Golden Valley Health Center in Merced; and 8 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. on Nov. 16 at the Mercy UC Davis Cancer Center in Merced.
“We’re looking for more like-minded individuals in Merced County to join this effort that we know will save lives and improve the outlook for future generations,” said Dr. Patel.
To learn more or to make an appointment, visit www.cps3mercedcounty.org or call toll-free 1-888-604-5888.
