KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The American Cancer Society announced Wednesday the beginning of a nationwide study to help researchers better understand the link between genetics and cancer.
This is the third Cancer Prevention Study sponsored by the American Cancer Society. CPS-2 began in 1982 and is still ongoing, and officials say the previous studies helped them confirm the link between smoking and lung cancer as well as air pollution and lung disease.
To take part in the study, you must be between the ages of 30-75 and never before been diagnosed with cancer. It is voluntary. You will not be paid to take part in it. It is also a 20-year commitment.
“It is a long-term commitment but it is such an important commitment, especially for anyone with children or grandchildren,” said Bridgett Myers, regional vice president of the American Cancer Society in Kansas City, “because we want to make this century cancer’s last century and we do want to find a cure in the very near future.”
Enrollment begins in August at select locations throughout Kansas City. Participants will need to fill out a survey and give researchers their waist measurements and seven teaspoons of blood. Participants will then fill out a survey every three years to update researchers on their current health. Officials are looking to enroll more than 500,000 people from all backgrounds so they can truly understand the link between genetics and cancer and hopefully find a cure.
“There’s a real possibility especially because this study will focus on genetic factors more than any of the other two studies,” said Myers. “It’s important for us to be able to reach our enrollment numbers and keep as many people active in this study over the next twenty years.”
To learn more about the study and how you can participate, click here.
