Yuma volunteers sought for cancer research study

  The lifestyles and behaviors of 300 Yuma-area residents who volunteer to mail in surveys could give researchers clues into the causes and prevention of cancer for future generations.

  Representatives of the American Cancer Society will be enrolling volunteers to take part in the third cancer prevention study, called CPS-3, on Saturday during the Relay for Life walk in Yuma that raises money for research into fighting cancer.

  "I am very excited that Yuma has this opportunity," said Angel Weber, chairwoman for CPS-3 and team development for Relay for Life. "With this research study, the American Cancer Society is attempting to find out what the causes of cancer are."

  The idea of the study is to learn more about how a variety of individuals' way of life, behavior, environment and genetic factors cause or prevent cancer.

  Anyone between the ages of 30 to 65 years old who has no personal history of cancer (not including basal or squamous cell skin cancers) is invited to join in this historic research study. The ultimate goal is to enroll 500,000 adults of various racial/ethnic backgrounds from across the U.S., with 300 of those participants coming from Yuma.

  "The study is not about going to the doctors for checkups regularly, but simply involves completing periodic follow-up surveys," Weber said.

  "You have to be cancer-free to participate in the study, and over the next 20 to 30 years they will continue to track your lifestyle and choices as far as food choices, housing environment, pretty much everything in your lifestyle."

  Enrollment in the study will take place from  5:30 to 9:30 p.m. Saturday at the Kennedy Ball Fields, across from the main stage at the Relay for Life events, though study volunteers do not have to be Relay for Life participants.

  "At the actual event itself, participants will be asked to fill out a questionnaire, give a waist measurement and a small sample of blood, very minute, less than a teaspoon," Weber said.

  At home, participants are asked to complete a more detailed survey. This survey will ask for information on your lifestyle.

  "We just want Yuma participants," Weber said. "This is a  once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the Yuma community to be part of eliminating cancer as a major health concern for the future generations."

  CPS-3 will build on the information from the older CPS studies, as well as more recent scientific discoveries.

  If past studies are any indication, this study could be history in the making, say cancer society officials.

  The first study, done from 1959 to 1972, drew a link between cigarettes and lung cancer and addressed a wide range of potential exposures that may increase or decrease cancer risk with 68,000 volunteers from 25 states.

  A follow-up study in 1982 recruited 77,000 volunteers in 50 states and is still ongoing. This research led  to the discovery and link of asbestos and mesothelioma.

  Relay for Life is a fun-filled overnight event designed to celebrate survivorship and raise money for research and programs of the American Cancer Society. Teams of people gather at schools, fairgrounds or parks and take turns walking or running laps. Each team tries to keep at least one team member on the track at all times.

  For those who want to take part in Yuma's cancer walk, the Relay for Life begins at 4 p.m. Saturday at the Kennedy Ball Fields at 24th Street and Kennedy Lane.

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RELAY FOR LIFE EVENTS

SATURDAY:
4-6 p.m.- Music by Mario Lopez
5:30-9:30 p.m. - Cancer Prevention Study-3
6 p.m. - Opening ceremony: welcome by Deb Johnson, color guard with Knights of Columbus, national anthem by Zayda McIntire, prayer by Tyrone Jones
6:45 p.m.- Survivor Lap
7 p.m. - Yuma Ballet Theatre performance
7:30 p.m. - Gary Knox Elementary Choir, directed by Tricia Moore
8 p.m. - Kofa High School Royalaires, directed by Mrs. Tanaka
8:30 p.m. - Luminaria ceremony
8:45 p.m .- Fireworks show
9-11:30 p.m. - Rock out with Slick Nickel
9:45 p.m. - Best 1950s Costume Contest
10:30 p.m.- Hula Hoop and Bubble Gum Blowing Contest
10:45 p.m- Chicken Dance lap
11:45 p.m.- Movie
Midnight- Scrabble lap

SUNDAY:
12:30 a.m. - Poker lap
6 a.m. - Apollo's Groove Band
6:30 a.m. - Pancake breakfast
8 a.m. - Closing ceremony with Deb Johnson

Other activities: face painting, Twister, bingo, record toss, tug-of-war, dodgeball, bean bag toss, soccer and more.

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Stefani Guerrero Soucy can be reached at ssoucy@yumasun.com or 539-6857.