Huge cancer prevention study looking for participants in Albany
For a long time there was this popular notion that someday there would be "The Cure For Cancer." As with most things, the problem is a lot more complicated (there are many types of cancer) and difficult than most people probably realize. But research keeps moving ahead, and bit by bit answers are shaking loose.
Now here's a way you can help. The American Cancer Society is currently looking to sign up people in the Albany area for a huge study called, appropriately, Cancer Prevention Study 3 (CPS-3). It's the latest version of a series of large studies that first started in the 1950s and have helped established knowledge such as the link between smoking and cancer, and the effect of being overweight on the risk of developing cancer.
ACS is looking to sign up hundreds of thousands of people nationwide. And here in the Capital Region it's partnering with Albany Med to hold a series of sign up events (after the jump). It's looking for "men and women between the ages of 30 and 65 years who have no personal history of cancer to join this historic research study. The ultimate goal is to enroll at least 300,000 adults from various racial/ethnic backgrounds from across the U.S." About the signup process:
At your appointment, you will be asked to sign an informed consent form, complete a brief survey, as well as provide a waist circumference measurement and a small blood sample (similar to a doctor's visit). The blood sample will be taken by a certified, trained phlebotomist. Your appointment should last approximately 20 - 30 minutes.
Here's an extensive FAQ about participating in the study, and an explanation of the measures being taken to protect confidentiality.
These sorts of large, longterm studies can be tremendously helpful for understanding disease. A famous example is the Framingham Heart Study, which has followed three generations of people in Massachusetts -- and has been instrumental in helping researchers understand the factors involved in heart disease.
Local sign up events for Cancer Prevention Study 3
+ Thursday, Oct. 18: 10 am-1:30 pm, Hilton Garden Inn at Albany Medical Center, 62 New Scotland Ave., Albany
+ Friday, Oct. 19: 7 am-2 pm, Harriman State Campus, Building 8A, New York State Department of Tax and Finance, Albany
+ Sunday, Oct. 21: 9 am-2 pm, Making Strides Against Cancer Walk, Washington Park, Albany
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Comments
I encourage younger people (younger than me -- I'm nearer the upper limit on the age limit) to participate in this because the life you save may be your own if they can find a cure for cancer or better preventions in your life time. I signed up earkier this year when the American Cancer Society reached out to the state work force (including unions like PEF) seeking participants. It's a pretty easy process for an important, hopefully historically significant, study.
... said chrisck on Sep 18, 2012 at 4:37 PM | link
I enjoy reading about the Framingham Heart Study right above a photo of fried chicken on waffles with a side of maple syrup.
... said Code Monkey on Sep 18, 2012 at 7:35 PM | link
Darn, I'm 29! Too young for the age range they are going for.
... said rich on Sep 19, 2012 at 10:09 AM | link
Rich--
The sign up period is through December 2013. You'll be 30 at some point before then. Find out if there will be a sign up event when you will be eligble.
... said chrisck on Sep 19, 2012 at 11:09 AM | link
@chrisck, Great news and thanks for the clarification! As they teach in school, but I sometimes neglect to do, always read all of the directions before you proceed. That way you don't make any unnecessary mistakes. Might have missed out on the opportunity.
... said Rich on Sep 19, 2012 at 11:50 AM | link