Cancer Study Seeks Participants in Arlington Heights, Surrounding Areas

The American Cancer Society is asking for volunteers to participate in a nation-wide study to help better understand how to prevent cancer or how it occurs. 

The national health organization plans to have 300,000 participants nationwide and is aiming to get 12,000 from Illinois to participate in a study that will follow their lives for 20 to 30 years, through lifestyle surveys. 

"This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to for people to get involved in a study of such magnitude," said Elizabeth Jablonski, director of research health Initiatives and advocacy for ACS. "You can’t be a part of the research if you’re not willing to be researched."

The study cancer prevention study-3 (CPS-3) will help researchers better understand the genetic, environmental and lifestyle factors that cause or prevent cancer.

Jablonski said studies of this nature began is the 1950s, with the first study finding a relation between smoking and lung cancer. 

• Cancer Prevention Study I

In the second prevention study, Jablonski said the society found that obesity and nutrition choices could increase cancer risks. 

• Cancer Prevention Study II

In the new study, participants will be asked to provide a waist measurement, give a small blood sample and complete a comprehensive survey online or at the enrollment site. Every few years, participants will be asked to fill out follow-up surveys. 

The non-profit is looking for men and women who are willing to commit to the study and must be between the ages of 30 and 65 and never have been diagnosed with cancer.

Jablonski said individuals younger than 30 are often more transient and harder to track, so 30 and older was idea for study. 

There are no restrictions in participants as far as race, height, weight, injuries or any other health problems besides being diagnosed with cancer, Jablonski said. 

"We are looking for diverse communities across the county," she said.

• Enroll in the Cancer Prevention Study III_

A kick-off event is scheduled to begin at 6 p.m. on Sept. 27 at the American Cancer Society Northwest Regional Office, 1114 N. Arlington Heights Road, Arlington Heights.

Individuals who do not wish to participate in the study, are invited to the kick-off event, and can help educate and recruit community members to enroll in the study, which is set to begin in November.