PADUCAH, KY - More than 640 people throughout the region are now part of a historic study into what causes – and what could possibly prevent – cancer. The American Cancer Society announced that 222 individuals enrolled at Lourdes Hospital during Nov. 15-17 for the Cancer Prevention Study-3 (CPS-3).

A prior CPS-3 enrollment took place in April at Western Baptist Hospital and enrolled 421 people.

The 20-30 year study, which is open to individuals between the ages of 30-65 who have not been diagnosed with cancer, will look at genetic, lifestyle and environmental factors that may cause or prevent cancer.

The previous Cancer Prevention Studies by the American Cancer Society resulted in discovering the link between smoking and lung cancer and certain lifestyle factors associated with increased cancer risks.

During Thursday through Saturday's enrollment, participants enrolled in CPS-3 at Lourdes Hospital. To enroll in the study, individuals were 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 his/her health; had a waist circumference measured; and gave a small blood sample.

The Society will now send periodic follow-up surveys to update enrollee information and annual newsletters with study updates and results. Periodic follow-up surveys of various lengths are expected to be sent every few years to enrollees.

The voluntary, long-term commitment by participants is what will produce benefits for decades to come. For more information about CPS-3, visit www.cancer.org/cps3. 

The American Cancer Society combines an unyielding passion with nearly a century of experience to save lives and end suffering from cancer. As a global grassroots force of more than three million volunteers, we fight for every birthday threatened by every cancer in every community. We save lives by helping people stay well by preventing cancer or detecting it early; helping people get well by being there for them during and after a cancer diagnosis; by finding cures through investment in groundbreaking discovery; and by fighting back by rallying lawmakers to pass laws to defeat cancer and by rallying communities worldwide to join the fight. As the nation’s largest non-governmental investor in cancer research, contributing about $3.4 billion, we turn what we know about cancer into what we do. As a result, more than 11 million people in America who have had cancer and countless more who have avoided it will be celebrating birthdays this year. To learn more about us or to get help, call us any time, day or night, at 1-800-227-2345 or visit www.cancer.org.