American Cancer Society seeks volunteers for study
By Kenneth Fine
Published in News on May 5, 2013 1:50 AM
The 2013 Relay For Life will offer more than a venue for fundraising, fellowship and storytelling.
Thanks to the American Cancer Society, the thousands expected to attend -- and participate -- in the event will also have an opportunity to make a difference in the lives of those who are battling, and will, in the future, battle the disease that brings Wayne County residents together year after year.
Volunteers are still being sought for a potentially life-saving study that is being characterized, by those administering it, as "groundbreaking."
And since enrollment will be held May 17, Relay, they said, might be the best time to get as many people on board as possible.
Cancer Prevention Study 3 requires a fairly non-invasive appointment -- 20 to 25 minutes of filling out paperwork and giving blood -- followed, every several years, by a survey.
Anyone between the ages of 30 and 65 who has never been diagnosed with the disease is eligible to participate.
"What this study is looking at is our environment ... and it's also going to look at our lifestyle," said Natalie Edwards, the ACS's mission delivery director for eastern North Carolina. "But the most exciting thing that we're going to be looking at is our genetics. Are there things in our genes or in our makeup that makes somebody more likely to get cancer or not as likely to get cancer?"
Those interested in participating will have the opportunity to register at the Wayne County Fairgrounds during Relay -- those not attending the event who wish to participate can sign up at www.cps3waynejoco.org
Then, enrollment will be held May 17 from 2 to 6:30 p.m. at Goldsboro's First Pentecostal Holiness Church.
"If you could prevent one person in your family from hearing the words, 'You have cancer,' would you do that?" Ms. Edwards said. "Well, this is your opportunity to get involved."