The Cancer Center of North Florida Regional Healthcare welcomes the announcement by the American Cancer Society (ACS) that it is will serve as the Gainesville community’s host site for the next, major research study with a goal of preventing cancer. At a kickoff event held at The Cancer Center, organizers explained why they believe CPS-3 will change the face of cancer for generations to come.
More About CPS-3
CPS-3 will help researchers better understand the lifestyle, environmental and genetic factors that cause or prevent cancer. CPS-3 follows earlier American Cancer society studies that linked smoking with lung cancer, discovered the link between obesity and cancer and showed the considerable impact of air pollution on heart and lung conditions.
“We are so proud to be able to join in this effort that holds so much promise to make a difference in finding answers to cancer,” says Scarlott Mueller, Vice-President and Chief Nursing Officer at North Florida Regional Medical Center. “The American Cancer Society celebrated its 100th birthday this year. We think of helping ACS with this study as our birthday gift to North Central Florida and all of those who live here whose lives have been and will be touched by cancer.”
Who Can Participate?
Men and women between the ages of 30 and 65 who have never been diagnosed with cancer are needed to participate in the massive research project other than non-melanoma skin cancers. The American Cancer Society’s CPS-3 will enroll a diverse population of up to 300,000 people across the United States and Puerto Rico, whose health will be followed for decades.
“The Cancer Center and North Florida Regional Healthcare are on the front lines of cancer care in our community, and we’re proud to support this important project that brings a renewed sense of hope and empowerment for finding a cure,” Mueller says. “We know how powerful collaboration can be, and we urge our neighbors to join us in this worthwhile initiative.”
How to Participate
North Central Florida residents will be able to enroll in the study at the hospital on October 22 and The Cancer Center on October 24. To enroll in the study, individuals will be asked to read and sign an informed consent form; complete a comprehensive survey packet that asks for information on lifestyle, behavioral and other factors related to health; have a waist circumference measurement; and provide a small blood sample. Upon completion of this process, the society will send periodic follow-up surveys to update health information and annual newsletters with study updates and results. The in-person enrollment process takes approximately 45 minutes to complete. Periodic follow-up surveys of various lengths are expected to be sent every few years to individuals enrolled in the study.
For more information or to learn how to become involved with CPS-3, visit cancer.org/cps3, email cps3@cancer.org or call toll-free (888) 604-5888.
Why Should You Participate
The goal of CPS-3 is a world without cancer – a world with more birthdays. We believe the best part to explain why you should join is to hear from those who have already signed up.
Check back with our site for updates on Cancer Prevention Study-3 and the people who make it possible – people who are dedicated to a world with more birthdays.