Help Prevent Cancer, participate in a historic study

Residents of Central Indiana have the opportunity to participate in a historic study that has the potential to change the face of cancer for future generations. 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’s Cancer Prevention Study-3 (CPS-3). CPS-3 will enroll a diverse population of up to 300,000 people across the United States and Puerto Rico through 2013. The opportunity for local residents to enroll in CPS-3 will take place at the Relay For Life of Avon on May 11 from 5 – 9 p.m. at Avon Town Hall Park, 6570 E. US Highway 36, Avon

and at the Relay For Life of Speedway on June 9, from noon – 4 p.m. at Leonard Park, 5400 W. 15 ^th Street, Indianapolis. 

CPS-3 will help researchers better understand the lifestyle, environmental, and genetic factors that cause or prevent cancer. To enroll in the study, individuals complete two steps, one in person and one at home. As part of the in-person enrollment, individuals complete a brief written survey, provide some physical measurements, and give a small blood sample. The enrollment process is complete when individuals complete the more comprehensive baseline survey. Over the course of the study – which is anticipated to last 20 to 30 years – participants will be asked to fill out follow-up surveys every few years that will be sent to their home. 

“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.” Dr. Patel added, “Our previous cancer prevention studies have been instrumental in helping us identify some of the major factors that can affect cancer risk. CPS-3 holds the best hope of identifying new and emerging cancer risks, and we can only do this if members of the community are willing to become involved.”

Researchers will use the data from CPS-3 to build on evidence from a series of American Cancer Society studies that began in the 1950s that collectively have involved millions of volunteer participants. The Hammond-Horn Study and previous Cancer Prevention Studies (CPS-I, and

CPS-II) have played a major role in understanding cancer prevention and risk, and have contributed significantly to the scientific basis and development of public health guidelines and recommendations. Those studies 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. The current study, CPS-II, began in 1982 and is still ongoing. But changes in lifestyle and in the understanding of cancer in the more than two decades since its launch make it important to begin a new study.

 The initial enrollment process takes about 30 minutes at the Relay For Life event and an additional 45 to 60 minutes at home to fill out the more comprehensive baseline survey. Periodic follow-up surveys of various lengths are expected to be sent every few years to individuals. The voluntary, long-term commitment by participants is what will produce benefits for decades to come. “Taking an hour or so every few years to fill out a survey – and potentially save someone from being diagnosed with cancer in the future - is a commitment that thousands of volunteer participants have already made. We're looking for more like-minded individuals in Central Indiana to join this effort that we know will save lives and improve the outlook for future generations,” said Dr. Patel.

Enrollment in CPS-3 at the Relay For Life of Avon and the Relay For Life of Speedway is just one of the many ways that the community is invited to join the fight against cancer through Relay For Life. Relay For

Life is an inspiring event that gives communities the opportunity to celebrate the lives of people who have battled cancer, remember loved ones lost, and fight back against the disease.

Central Indianawill hold more than 30 Relay For Life events taking place now through mid-July, though only two will serve as enrollment sites for the research study. Relay For Life events are held overnight as individuals and teams camp out at an athletic track, park or other gathering area, with the goal of keeping at least one team member on the track or pathway at all times throughout the event. Teams do most of their fundraising prior to the event, but some teams also hold creative fundraisers at their campsites during Relay. Relay is a fun event that brings together friends, families, businesses, hospitals, schools, and faith-based groups – people from all walks of life – to further the American Cancer Society’s efforts to save lives by helping people stay well, by helping them get well, by finding cures