American Cancer Society Seeks Local Participants for National Cancer Study at Upcoming Relay for Life Event

The annual American Cancer Society's Relay For Life of Calhoun County gives the community the opportunity to come together to raise money for cancer research. At this year's event, which takes place Friday, May 8 at the McClellan Soccer Complex, there's an even greater opportunity to work together for a cure. The Society plans to recruit volunteers for its Cancer Prevention Study-3 (CPS-3) at the local Relay. The nationwide study will enroll half a million at 200 sites, and Calhoun County is one of three sites in Alabama where volunteers may sign up.

Participants must be between the ages of 30-65, must never have been diagnosed with cancer, and must be willing to make a long-term commitment to the study. To participate, individuals will fill out a brief survey, provide a waist measurement, and give a small blood sample at the Relay site, a process that will take 30 minutes or less. This will be followed by a baseline survey to be completed at home and periodic follow-up surveys. The baseline and follow-up surveys may be completed online at home.

Volunteers may enroll at the CPS-3 tent at the May 8 local Relay event between the hours of 5 - 9 p.m.

"This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity for Americans to participate in lifesaving cancer research," said Alpa V. Patel, Ph.D., American Cancer Society strategic director of CPS-3. "While we have been conducting these types of studies for decades, our world-class research department can only study new and emerging cancer risks if members of the community are willing to become involved.

"We are once again looking to the dedication, compassion, and generosity of Americans to come through and help us provide answers that we know will save lives and improve the outlook for future generations."

For more information, visit www.relayforline.org/calhounal, or e-mail Audrey Tinkey.

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