WATCH: American Cancer Society Seeks Long Islanders For Study

LONG ISLAND, NY — The American Cancer Society (ACS) is seeking Long Islanders to join a trailblazing study. The organization aims to get a clearer picture of the causes of cancer among Black women. For 30 years, VOICES of Black Women study will collect data from women to see what links can be drawn to developing or dying from cancer.

Lilith Costa, an ambassador for the ACS study, said they expect 100,000 women will participate from 20 states, including New York.

The study will look at "daily lives [and] our exercise habits," Costa told Patch.

She said it is a "30-year commitment," but "I think it's worth it. If we get any sort of question answered, I think that would be so beneficial."

The ACS is seeking women from 25-55.

"That's a lot of information to compile," Costa said. "Hoping the next generation after that will have more answers."

Costa got involved as she is a "previvor," meaning "I had a higher risk of getting breast cancer because of having a hereditary cancer gene."

With several relatives who died of breast cancer, Costa had a preventive mastectomy.

The initial survey would take participants approximately an hour to fill out. It's twice a year thereafter, and much shorter.

Costa said it is not an invasive questionnaire, as they don't ask about specific medical information.

You can watch the full "Patch Weekly Spotlight" below with Lilith Costa.