CPS-3

This past weekend, I volunteered the first part of my day measuring waste lines and checking people in at the CPS-3 study.  The Cancer Prevention Study-3 is the 3rd major study in the US sponsored by the American Cancer Society enrolling over 300,000 people across the US.  In the last study, CPS-2, it was proven that cigarettes were in fact a cause of premature death to smokers and non-smokers.  In CPS-3, our volunteers will help researchers understand how lifestyle, genetics, and the environment affect cancer, and how to better prevent the disease.

In order to enroll you must be willing to make a long term commitment to the study, by answering surveys that will come in the mail periodically through out the next 30 years--be between 30-65 years old--and have never been diagnosed with cancer (not including basal or squamous cell skin cancer).  You must be also willing to give a blood sample for genetic testing.

I jumped at this volunteer opportunity.  I mean, what easier way to make an impact on this world and to help to eliminate cancer as a major health problem without really doing anything.  Before going to volunteer I didn't think I would be able to be apart of the study since I am not yet 30.  But they made an exception and said if you would be 30 within the next 6 months you were able to participate.  SCORE.  Put that tourniquet on and draw my blood... I'm in!

Of course, with every volunteer opportunity, I ran into my ONE STORY.  My one reason for doing what I do.  When I measured the first waist of a man probably in his 40's he confided that he is doing this for his brother, who died just recently from cancer.  He got a little teary.  He said it was the least he could do so no other family had to go through what he and his family did.  With a few people behind him eagerly waiting, I spoke with him a little longer than I should have.  With a gentle hand on his shoulder, I assured him that he is definitely helping in this long crusade to end this bitch of a disease.  He laughed.  I did my job.

It's crazy to me that all of us have been touched by cancer in some way.  Whether it be a family member or friend, an acquaintance  or yourself.  As I sit here, passing out candy to all the little trick or treaters, I would love for there to be a day where they can go, what was cancer?  And I am proud to at least try and make a difference. 

For more info: cancer.org/cps3