'Champions' sought now for nationwide cancer prevention study coming
to Springfield, Taylorville
American
Cancer Society seeks residents interested in fighting back against
cancer
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[March 19, 2013]
SPRINGFIELD -- What if you could
prevent even one family member from hearing the words "You have
cancer"? The American Cancer Society is seeking cancer fighters --
"champions" -- in the Springfield area who are interested in helping
to spread the word about the importance of participating in Cancer
Prevention Study-3, known as CPS-3, a historic nationwide study to
help researchers better understand the genetic, environmental and
lifestyle factors that cause or prevent cancer.
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A kickoff event will take place on March 26 at Simmons Cancer
Institute at Southern Illinois University, 315 W. Carpenter in
Springfield. The event will begin with registration at 5:30 p.m. A
one-hour program will follow at 6 p.m. CPS-3 champions will receive
all the information they need to help educate and recruit community
members to enroll in CPS-3 this coming May.
"This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity for Americans to
participate in lifesaving cancer research," said CPS-3 champion and
enrollment lead Brandi Melton. "We are excited to offer this
opportunity for area residents to make an appointment and enroll in
the study at their convenience between May 1 and May 22. Our goal is
to recruit 100 or more CPS-3 champions and enroll a total of at
least 850 participants during this time. In order to reach these
targets, we need passionate people who are committed to fighting
cancer.
"While the American Cancer Society has been conducting these
types of studies for decades, their world-class research department
can only study new and emerging cancer risks if members of the
community are willing to become involved."
Anyone who is interested in becoming a champion to promote
participation in the study is welcome to do so. There are no
specific ages or other eligibility requirements.
There are, however, eligibility considerations for those who wish
to enroll in the study. Men and women who are willing to commit to
the study must be between the ages of 30 and 65 and never have been
diagnosed with cancer. The study will enroll a diverse population of
300,000 people across the United States.
To enroll, individuals provide a waist measurement, give a small
blood sample and complete a comprehensive survey online or at the
enrollment site. Over the course of the study, participants will be
asked to fill out follow-up surveys every few years.
"Many individuals diagnosed with cancer struggle to answer the
question, 'What caused my cancer?' In many cases, we don't know the
answer," said Stephen Hunt, director for the American Cancer
Society's Western Region. "CPS-3 will help us better understand what
factors cause cancer, and once we know that, we can be better
equipped to prevent cancer."
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Whether you are a cancer survivor, caregiver or are interested in
honoring a friend or loved one who has battled cancer, you are
invited to serve as a CPS-3 champion. To RSVP for the kickoff, call
217-523-4503, ext. 3.
If you would like to enroll in the study now, enrollment
appointments may be made online anytime at www.cps3Illinois.org.
For background and complete information about CPS-3, visit
www.cancer.org/cps3 or call
toll-free 1-888-604-5888.
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The American Cancer Society combines an unyielding passion with
nearly a century of experience to save lives and end suffering from
cancer. As a global grass-roots force of more than 3 million
volunteers, the American Cancer Society fights for every birthday
threatened by every cancer in every community. The organization
saves lives by helping people stay well by preventing cancer or
detecting it early; by helping people get well by being there for
them during and after a cancer diagnosis; by finding cures through
investment in groundbreaking discovery; and by fighting back by
rallying lawmakers to pass laws to defeat cancer and by rallying
communities worldwide to join the fight.
As the nation's largest nongovernmental investor in cancer
research, contributing more than $3.5 billion, the American Cancer
Society turns what we know about cancer into what we do. As a
result, more than 11 million people in America who have had cancer
and countless more who have avoided it will be celebrating birthdays
this year. To learn more about the American Cancer Society or to get
help, call 1-800-227-2345 anytime, day or night, or visit
www.cancer.org.
[Text from file received from the
American Cancer Society,
Illinois Division]
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