Bradley County is one of four locations in Tennessee where volunteers are actively recruiting participants in a planned 20- to 30-year study that could help illuminate ways to prevent cancer.
Barbara Mullins, oncological nurse at Blue Ridge Medical Oncology in Cleveland, said she's been working with her patients to build interest among their friends and family for participation in the study.
"If we can find what in our lifestyle or environment is affecting us and causing cancer, it will help in prevention," said Ms. Mullins, who's also captain of the medical group's Relay for Life race team.
"It's so exciting to think how many lives we can save in the future from this disease," she said.
The study, funded by the American Cancer Society, will enroll 500,000 people nationally and follow them for decades to analyze the effect of their lifestyles and environments on their cancer risk.
At Saturday's Relay for Life race event, to support the American Cancer Society, volunteers will sign up people willing to commit to the long-term study.
People between the ages of 30 and 65 who have never had a cancer diagnosis are eligible to participate, and they do not have to be residents of Bradley County, said Dr. Alpa Patel, epidemiologist and principle investigator of the study, known as CPS-3.
The CPS, which stands for "cancer prevention study," is third in a series of long-term studies funded by the American Cancer Society since 1959, Dr. Patel said.
The first two studies resulted in the first definitive link between cigarette smoking and cancer and also identified the link between obesity and cancer, she said.
Researchers often try to enroll people who are friends or family members of cancer victims and survivors because they are more likely to be willing to stay in the study for the long haul, Dr. Patel said.
"It's only scientifically valid if individuals stay engaged" long-term, Dr. Patel said. "That's why engaging people through Relay for Life events (is important,) because these individuals are hopefully more understanding of what that commitment to the study ... means."
IF YOU GOWhat: Relay for Life event and study enrollment periodWhen: 11 a.m.-3 p.m. May 1Where: Courthouse Square, Cleveland, Tenn.Information: 423-855-2778
Those who choose to participate in the study must fill out a brief survey and provide a small blood sample and waist measurement at the Relay for Life event. They will receive a lengthy questionnaire in the mail shortly after, and follow-up questionnaires every few years throughout the course of the study, said Michelle Ingram, co-chairwoman of Bradley County's Relay for Life event.
She said she has a "personal stake" in the study because her husband died three years ago from non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
"It something we've got to do for our future generations," she said.
This generation's study will also focus on environmental hazards that could be associated with cancer, Dr. Patel said.
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