The American Cancer Society’s Department of Epidemiology and Surveillance Research is beginning to enroll 500,000 adults across the United States for its Cancer Prevention Study-3 (CPS-3). This study will help the Society better understand the lifestyle, environmental, and genetic factors that cause or prevent cancer, and ultimately eliminate cancer as a major health concern for future generations.

CPS-3 will build on evidence from three previous studies from the American Cancer Society, the first of which began in the 1950s: Hammond-Horn, CPS-I, and CPS-II, which together have played a major role in the understanding of cancer prevention and contributed significantly to the scientific literature and to the development of public health guidelines and recommendations. For example:

Hammond-Horn confirmed the link between cigarette smoking and lung cancer.
CPS-II was the landmark study that linked the significant impact of being overweight or obese to the risk of cancer occurrence and death.
CPS-II was among the earliest research to show that individuals who use aspirin or hormone replacement therapy have a lower death rate from colon cancer.

CPS-I and CPS-II helped identify the substantial impact of air pollution on cardiopulmonary conditions, motivating the Environmental Protection Agency to propose more stringent limits on particulate air pollution.

The American Cancer Society estimates that nearly 1.4 million people living in the U.S. will be diagnosed with cancer in 2006 and that nearly 565,000 will die from the disease. Scientific evidence suggests that about one-third of cancer deaths are related to nutrition, physical inactivity, and overweight or obesity. “This study is extremely important to further our understanding not only of what factors cause cancer, but the processes by which cancer develops,” said Sheri Waynick. “We are extremely grateful to the half a million men and women across the country who we hope will make this vital contribution to help fight cancer by helping make the study a success.”

The Fayette County Relay For Life on May 5 at the Kiwanis Fair Complex will be one of a handful of pilot sites around the country where participants will begin to be enrolled in the new study. Researchers are looking for a diverse group of men and women between the ages of 30 and 65 who have never had cancer and are willing to make a long-term commitment to the study. And while the study is expected to last for years and yield lifesaving results, initial enrollment will take just 30 minutes. At the Relay event, participants will be asked to complete a brief written survey, provide a waist measurement, and give a small blood sample. Follow-up surveys will be sent within a few months of enrollment, as well as every few years to update participants’ health behavior information.

For more information or to learn how to participate, visit www.cancer.org/cps3, email cps3@cancer org, or call toll-free 1-888-604-5888.

The American Cancer Society is dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem by saving lives, diminishing suffering and preventing cancer through research, education, advocacy and service. Founded in 1913 and with national headquarters in Atlanta, the Society has 13 regional Divisions and local offices in 3,400 communities, involving millions of volunteers across the United States.

For more information anytime, call toll free 1-800-ACS-2345 or visit www.cancer.org.

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