The Duncan Banner

Local News

September 19, 2012

Duncan resident volunteers for cancer study

Rebeka Rutledge The Duncan Banner

DUNCAN — You can shave your head for a loved one going through chemotherapy or participate with a Relay For Life team, but now the state of Oklahoma is offering its residents another way to help fight the monster that is cancer.

Duncan resident Susan Elliott is one of many across the state who has elected to be a part of the Cancer Prevention Study 3, an American Cancer Society clinical study that looks at ways to stop cancer. It’s a new way for her to go up against a disease that has affected her personally.

“My husband has brain cancer, which he has fought for seven years,” said Elliott. “Everybody knows someone who has been affected or been affected themselves by cancer.”

Elliott has taken part in Relay For Life for about nine years with the local Hope In Action team, who were the number one fundraising team two years ago and are hoping to be announced number one once again at this year’s Summit rally in November.

It was last year’s Summit in Oklahoma City when Elliott heard about CPS-3, which looks at those who have never been diagnosed with cancer. With the high cancer rate in the state, this is a study she believes is needed in Oklahoma.

“Hearing them present the topic at Summit got me really excited about being a part of it,” Elliott said. “So many good things came from the first two studies.”

In the first CPS study, which took place 40-50 years ago, they learned that tobacco was a leading cause of cancer. Previous to that, the use of tobacco products had been completely socially acceptable. The second study proved that annual mammograms helped prevent the development of breast cancer.

“Look at how many lives have been saved (because of these studies),” Elliott said. “Prevention is the easiest way to help people stay healthy and if it’s as simply as a blood test and questionnaires, that’s wonderful.”

Those who enter the study must be between the ages of 30 and 65 and have never been diagnosed with cancer. They are requested to visit one of the interview sites, have a vial of blood drawn and agree to fill out questionnaires sent out every two years for the next 20 years.

“It’s not going to take much of their time and who knows what it might do (to help),” said Elliott.

The American Cancer Society began taking their volunteers yesterday in the Oklahoma City area and will continue to accept them through this Saturday. Walk-ins are more than welcome as they have plenty of staff on hand to handle a rush.

While other states have already started participation in the study, their goal for Oklahoma is 2,000 participants statewide.

“I’m going tonight (Tuesday),” Elliott said. “It’s pretty painless.”

For test sites and more information, visit www.cancer.org/cps3 or call their toll free number at 1-888-604-5888.

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