Last week I went along to the 3rd International Symposium Ovarian Cancer: Prevention, Detection and Treatment of the Disease and Its Recurrence to listen to a group of speakers discuss integrative medical approaches to recovering from cancer. There should be no surprise that food and nutrition play a large role here. The symposium was fantastic and I learned about the following study being conducted here in Pittsburgh (and nationwide) by the American Cancer Society.
I know that we are all busy. I also know that we all want to help make this world a healthier place. I'm hoping that many of you will find the time to participate in this study, if not for your own benefit, than for the benefit of those around us and generations to come. (Text below is copied from the American Cancer Society's website.)
CANCER PREVENTION STUDY-3 (CPS-3)
Research today for a cancer-free tomorrow.
The Cancer Prevention Study-3 (CPS-3) is helping to create a world with less cancer...and more birthdays. CPS-3 is a grassroots effort where local communities from across the country can support cancer research not just through fundraising efforts, but also by participating actively in this historic research study.
The American Cancer Society’s Epidemiology Research Program is inviting men and women between the ages of 30 and 65 years who have never personally been diagnosed with cancer to join this historic study. The ultimate goal is to enroll at least 300,000 adults from various racial/ethnic backgrounds from across the U.S. The purpose of CPS-3 is to better understand the lifestyle, behavioral, environmental and genetic factors that cause or prevent cancer and to ultimately eliminate cancer as a major health problem for this and future generations.
Participation is easy and enrollment is available in your local community. Local enrollment is being made possible in partnership with West Penn Allegheny Health System. Your initial enrollment requires two steps and will involve the following:
- After scheduling your enrollment appointment, you will receive a confirmation e-mail with instructions to go online and complete your first, most comprehensive survey. This survey will ask you questions regarding medications you are taking, family history of cancer, lifestyle and other behaviors. This survey should be completed prior to your appointment time.
- 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.
