West Shore Residents, St. John’s Support Historic Cancer Prevention Study

The American Cancer Society recently reached out to the West Shore community to participate in a nationwide cancer research study looking at what causes or prevents cancer, and the response has been a flood of support.

Westlake’s St. John Medical Center played an integral part.

On June 4 and June 6, 145 people enrolled in the American Cancer Society’s national Cancer Prevention Study-3 (CPS-3).

“We are extremely grateful for the tremendous support from community members.  We’d especially like to recognize our host site, St. John Medical Center, and thank their staff for leading the way,” American Cancer Society Health Initiatives Representative, Erin Rechin, MPH, said. “By embracing this opportunity to participate in historic cancer research, we stood up to a major public health issue in northeast Ohio – cancer. The turnout was incredible, and this is just the beginning.”

Participants will receive a follow up survey to update their health history every 1-3 years for the next 20 to 30 years.  This will help cancer researchers identify the factors – environmental, genetic, and lifestyle – that influence cancer risk, so that future generations may live in a world with less cancer and more birthdays. That’s something to celebrate.

Individuals still interested in participating in this historic study can check www.clevelandcps3.org for upcoming enrollments in the Greater Cleveland area. To learn more about CPS-3, visitwww.cancer.org/cps3.