If you could prevent even one person from hearing the words, “you have cancer,” would you? Now is your chance!

On Oct. 22-24, you will have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to participate in research within our community. The American Cancer Society will be enrolling participants for its newest research study, the Cancer Prevention Study-3 (CPS-3).

This is the third wide-scale research effort undertaken by the ACS. Thanks in large part to the million-plus volunteers in CPS-1, which began in 1959, we know there is a connection between smoking and lung cancer and we now have warning labels on cigarette packs. Research in CPS-2 correlated obesity and cancer. CPS-3 will help us better understand what causes cancer and how to prevent it. By signing up, you can make an impact in the lives of many.

Participation in the study is free. Participants must be age 30-65 and never diagnosed with cancer with the exception of basal or squamous cell skin cancers. Enrollment involves completing a short survey, providing a waist measurement and small blood sample and then completing a survey every two years.

Not eligible? Recruit someone who is.

For more information, see www.cancer.org/cps3 or call 1-888-604-5888. To schedule an appointment, see www.cps3cedarrapids.org

Cedar Rapids was given a goal to enroll 672 people. On Oct. 1 we passed 425; here is an opportunity to show that we care!

Dave Martin

Cedar Rapids