Historic grass roots American Cancer Society study underway

HARTFORD, Conn. (WTNH) -- A nationwide study could lead to better understanding of key factors that cause or prevent cancer.

Cancer: it strikes one of every two men and one of every three women in the United States sometime in their lifetime.

Rebecca Santiago feels the pain.

Her mother died of esophageal cancer.  So did her mother's sister.  Cancer has struck other family members as well. Her younger sister Elizabeth is among them.
    
"Stage four, three months to live," Elizabeth said. "I had a rare breast cancer disease. I only had three months ago."

Lucky for Elizabeth, her breast cancer was not rare, but had a partial double mastectomy.  She later developed uterine cancer and leukemia.

Elizabeth says, "If I would have, wondering, if I would have taken care of myself better, not eating fast food and eating a healthier diet, would I have gotten it, or not."      
 
Factors that researchers want to know more about in the Cancer Prevention Study-3 or CPS-3: a historic grassroots research effort led by the American Cancer Society.
 
Rebecca points out, "we need to find out what's going on and what's different in each race. Why are African Americans more prone to prostate cancer, why are Hispanics prone to lung cancer?"

Healthy with no sign of cancer, Rebecca is participating. Tens of thousands more like her are needed. That's why St. Francis Hospital and Medical Center is teaming up with the Cancer Society.

Dr. Phillip Roland explains, "the idea is to determine what are lifestyle and behaviors that we may have now that may influence protection against cancer or may increase our risk for developing cancer in the future."      
   
After the initial survey, people like Rebecca will get follow-up questions every few years, which she embraces.

"What is it about the environment or genetic factors" ponders Rebecca, "that are affecting our cultures today, our society."

It maybe 20 to 30 years before the results are known, but experts say it will be crucial for future generations.

The study is looking for men and women between the ages of 30 and 65 who have never been diagnosed with cancer, who will be followed for at least 20 years.    

There's a brief survey, some body measurements will be taken, as well as a blood sample.

St. Francis has sign up sessions this week:

• Wednesday, Sept. 26th from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. at St. Francis Hospital, 95 Woodland St., Conference Room A, in Hartford.
• Friday, Sept. 28th from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. at St. Francis Hospital, 95 Woodland St., Conference Room A, in Hartford.

For more information visit the American Cancer Society website .