American Cancer Society Seeks Marina del Rey Residents for Medical Study

This spring, the American Cancer Society is offering an unprecedented opportunity for Marina Del Rey residents to change the face of colon cancer and all cancers for future generations by enrolling in a historic long-term study. 300,000 diverse men and women ages 30 to 65 who have never been diagnosed with cancer are needed to enroll in the Society's Cancer Prevention Study-3 (CPS-3), which will help determine which genetic, lifestyle and environmental factors do and do not cause cancer.

Participants first fill out a short survey at home, then give a waist measurement and small blood sample at a local enrollment site. Enrollment is completed at home with a more detailed (45 minute) mail in or electronic survey. Every few years participants receive a followup survey for the next 20 - 30 years. Participation is anonymous and completely confidential.

“Many cancer patients struggle to answer the question, ‘What caused my cancer?’ In many cases, we don’t know the answer,” said Alpa V. Patel, Ph.D., principal investigator of CPS-3. “CPS-3 will help us better understand what factors cause cancer, and once we know that, we can be better equipped to prevent cancer.” 

Dr. Patel added, “Our previous cancer prevention studies have been instrumental in helping us identify some of the major factors that can affect cancer risk. CPS-3 holds the best hope of identifying new and emerging cancer risks, and we can only do this if members of the community are willing to become involved.” 

Marina residents are invited to enroll in CPS-3 at the following sites: 
• Culver City: American Cancer Society, 5731 W. Slauson, Suite 200; April 30, 3 – 6:30 pm 
• Westchester: Recreation Center, 7000 W. Manchester Ave., April 18, 3 – 6:30 pm; April 19, 9 am – 12:30 pm 
• West LA: St. Paul the Apostle Church, 10750 Ohio Ave., May 2, 3 – 6:30 pm 
• Santa Monica: YWCA, 2019 14th St., May 3, 9 am – 12:30 pm

For additional LA County sites and more information about CPS-3 visit cancer.org/cps3 or call 800-227-2345.