East Cobb YMCAs in Cancer Study

Four Cobb YMCA locations, including both in the East Cobb area, will be participating in an American Cancer Society research project next month.

The ACS's Cancer Prevention Study 3 will take place at 21 locations throughout metro Atlanta, including the following YMCA branches in Cobb:

• McCleskey-East Cobb Family YMCA, Tuesday, March 5, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m., and Wednesday, March 6, 3 p.m. – 7 p.m;
• Northeast Cobb Family YMCA, Tuesday, March 12, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m., and Wednesday, March 13, 3 p.m. – 7 p.m.
• Mansour Center, Marietta, Tuesday, March 12, 3 p.m. – 7 p.m., and Wednesday, March 13, 9 a.m. – 12:00 noon;
• Northwest Family YMCA, Kennesaw, Friday, March 8, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m., and Friday, March 15, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Men and women between the ages of 30 and 65 who have never been diagnosed with cancer are urged to participate in the study. The ACS is seeking to enroll 5,000 residents of metro Atlanta and 300,000 people across the United States and Puerto Rico.

The study will help researchers better understand the lifestyle, environmental, and genetic factors that cause or prevent cancer.

To enroll in the study, individuals will be asked to do the following:

• read and sign an informed consent form;
• complete a comprehensive survey packet that asks for information on lifestyle, behavorial, and other factors related to your health;
• have your waist circumference measured;
• and give a small blood sample.

Upon completion of this process, the ACS will send periodic follow-up surveys to update your information and annual newsletters with study updates and results.

The in-person enrollment process takes approximately an hour to complete. Periodic follow-up surveys of various lengths are expected to be sent every few years to individuals enrolled in the study.

Researchers will use the data to build on evidence from a series of American Cancer Society studies that began in the 1950s that collectively have involved millions of volunteer participants..

For more information or to learn how to become involved with the cancer prevention study in Atlanta, visit www.cps3atlanta.com, or call toll-free 1-888-604-5888.