WASHINGTON – The American Cancer Society is embarking on long-term study in a ground-breaking field — and if you have a few free minutes, you can help save a life.
The national organization is launching the biggest cancer prevention study in decades to examine the link between the environment and cancer. According to Robert Paschen, a local spokesperson for the American Cancer Society, this is an area where there has not been enough research.
The study, called CPS-3, is the latest in a long line of studies funded by the organization that has provided massive amounts of data for scientists. The first study took place in the 1950s and found the link between smoking and cancer.
“We’re trying to provide data to scientists for the next great breakthrough in cancer research,” Paschen says.
The goal is to register 300,000 volunteers, nationwide, and 900 in the D.C. metro area before the end of the year. Paschen says the American Cancer Society is making it simple for interested persons to enroll and become a part of this scientific endeavor.
Several enrollment centers will be operating across the region, starting Saturday, Sept. 21.
“You show up, you take pictures, you fill out a survey, you give a small blood sample, waist measurement — all of this is anonymous,” says Paschen about what is required from study participants.
The process usually takes about 20 minutes and no further medical visits or tests are required. Paschen says participants will only need to complete a follow-up survey every two years.
Over the next few weeks, there will be enrollment locations throughout Northern Virginia, and in Montgomery County, Md., and Prince George’s County, Md., and participants can register at any center.
“You can come from Baltimore, you can come from D.C. proper, you can come from Fredericksburg, from Frederick and come to these enrollment locations,” Paschen says.
Those interested in participating in CP-3 can register by calling the American Cancer Society’s 24-hour, toll-free National Cancer Information Center (NCIC) at 888-ACS-2345, or online at the following websites:
CP-3 enrollment: Northern Virginia Community
CP-3 enrollment: Montgomery County, Md.
CP-3 enrollment: Prince George’s County, Md.
Enrollment dates, times and locations for the American Cancer Society’s CP-3 study in the D.C. area:
- Sept. 21, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., The nZone, 145500 Lee Rd., Chantilly, VA 20151
- Sept. 24, 4-8 p.m., Health Department (Mt. Vernon), 8350 Richmond Hwy, Alexandria, VA 22309
- Sept. 25, 4-8 p.m., Vienna Community Center, 120 Cherry St. SE, Vienna, VA 22180
- Sept. 26, 8 a.m. to noon, Fairfax City Dept. of Health, 10777 Main St., Fairfax, VA 22030
- Sept. 28, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Burke Presbyterian Church, 5690 Oak Leather Dr., Burke, VA 22015
- Oct. 2, 3-7 p.m., Reston Hospital, 1850 Town Ctr. Dr., Reston, VA 20190
- Oct. 2, 4-8 p.m., The nZone, 145500 Lee Rd., Chantilly, VA 20151
- Oct. 26, 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Reid Temple Fellowship Hall, 11400 Glenn Dale Blvd., Glenn Dale, MD 20769
- Oct. 30, 4-7:30 p.m., Jericho City of Praise Fellowship Hall, 8501 Jericho City Dr., Landover, MD 20785
- Nov. 7, 4-7 9.m., MedStar Montgomery Medical Center, 18101 Prince Philip Dr., Olney, MD 20832
- Nov. 9, 9 a.m.-noon, MedStar Montgomery Medical Center, 18101 Prince Philip Dr., Olney, MD 20832
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