ACS launches major study of genetic, environmental influences on cancer

The American Cancer Society has opened enrollment for a large-scale population-based study focused on cancer and its genetic and environmental connections.

The goal of the Cancer Prevention Study 3 (CPS-3) is to recruit 500,000 adults from a range of ethnicities and geographic locations across the United States to better comprehend the environmental, lifestyle, and genetic factors that may cause or prevent cancer.

CPS-3 recruitment will occur at 64 of the 4,800 ACS-sponsored Relay for Life walking/running events in the United States in 2007 and at select Relay events through 2011. Men and women (age range, 30 to 65 years) who have never had a cancer diagnosis and who are open to long-term study involvement will be considered. Enrollees will fill out a questionnaire and provide a waist measurement and a small blood sample. Factors related to cancer occurrence or prevention will be followed over the next 20 years by having CPS-3 participants respond to questionnaires.

Data from CPS-3 will add to evidence from previous ACS studies (including CPS-1 and CPS-2) dating to the 1950s, according to the American Cancer Society.

Information is available at www.cancer.org/cps3 or 888-604-5888.