AMC Press Release #2

NEWS RELEASE June 1, 2009 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE For more information, contact: John Guccion, Media Chairperson (614) 477-9744 Relay For Life Of Westerville Joins Landmark Cancer Prevention Effort th

Cancer Prevention Study-3 Registration Highlights 11 Annual Event

(WESTERVILLE, OHIO) The American Cancer Society Relay For Life of Westerville, which consistently ranks as one of the top cancer prevention fundraising Relays in Ohio, will be assisting in volunteer registration for a nationwide study that measures the lifestyle, environmental and genetic factors that cause or prevent cancer.

In addition to the annual 18-hour fundraising event, the Relay For Life of Westerville will be signing up volunteers for the Cancer Prevention Study-3 (CPS-3) on Friday, June 26, from 6:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. at Westerville Central High School. The Relay For Life of Westerville is one of two Franklin County sites where state volunteers can register to participate in the study.

There are currently over 200 sites nationwide scheduled to conduct registrations.

The Relay For Life of Westerville is scheduled for June 26-27 at Westerville Central High School, located at 7118 Mount Royal Ave. The event starts Friday, June 26 at 7 p.m., and concludes Saturday, June 27 at 1 p.m.

The CPS-3 study will enroll half a million people around the United States with the purpose of detecting new and emerging cancer risks.

“Becoming involved in Relay helped me to feel like I was doing something, but CPS-3 will truly involve me in the fight,” said Relay For Life of Westerville Co-Chair Deb Pindell, whose husband is a cancer survivor. “I will now be able to participate in research that will make a difference in the future of cancer prevention and treatment.”

Participants must be between the ages of 30 and 65, must never have been diagnosed with cancer, and must be willing to make a long-term commitment to the study, which simply means filling out follow-up surveys at their home.

To enroll, individuals will complete a brief written survey, provide a waist measurement, and give a small blood sample at the Relay enrollment site, in addition to completing a baseline survey at their home.

Previous related studies contributed to breakthroughs, such as confirming the link between cigarette smoking and lung cancer.

Relay For Life of Westerville CPS-3 Study Page Two Ret. 1st Sgt. Perry L. Meyer, 42, of Columbus is a U.S. Army veteran participating in the Relay For Life for the fifth time. Meyer is among the local volunteers who will commit to completing the survey approximately every two years to help researchers better understand what lifestyle traits cause cancer.

Meyer says he knows the study can be a great resource in helping with early detection, which is vital in winning the battle against cancer.

“I have been exposed to a variety of health hazards during my 20 years of service,” Meyer explained. “I would want to be told as soon as possible if I have cancer. Early detection gives me all the ammunition I need to prepare for such a vicious battle.”

The CPS-3 study is among the various activities scheduled for this year’s Relay For Life of Westerville, which pays tribute to cancer victims in the local community while raising money for cancer research and prevention efforts.

Highlighting this year’s Relay For Life event is the Survivor Dinner on Friday, June 26 at 5:30 p.m. at Westerville Central High School, as well as the Luminaria Ceremony of Hope at 10 p.m.

The Relay For Life will also hold its “2nd Annual Westerville Wheels For A Cure Cruise-In” fundraiser, featuring classic and late model vehicles. The car show will take place Saturday morning at 9 a.m.

Relay For Life of Westerville organizers say volunteers are still needed, and team registration remains open. Opportunities for sponsorship are also available. Donations for the Westerville event can be made online at RelayForLife.org/Westerville.

For more information or to learn how to become involved with CPS-3, visit www.cancer.org/cps3, e-mail cps3@cancer org, or call toll-free 1-888-604-5888.

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