SFWhealth awareness
Be Part of Something Bigger Than You New Cancer Research Study Empowers Community By Jennifer Dumke
L
ike most twenty-something’s, Annie Johnson lived life to the fullest; brimming with opportunities and growth. But that was about to change one day when she discovered something far worse was growing; a softball size tumor was detected in her chest. The young lady faced a diagnosis of Hodgkins lymphoma and was given only months to live. “At first, I was completely numb and had no words,” says Annie. But with determination and vigor, she balanced college, friends and family with her frequent hospital stays and rigorous treatments, only to discover that after a brief remission, her cancer came back with vengeance. The daunting reality is that survivors like Annie are not alone. In 2012, the American Cancer Society predicts more than 4,400 new cases in South Dakota. The good news is that there are millions of people who have survived cancer and even more who have avoided it, turning the focus on prevention. Researchers are continually striving to better understand the factors that cause or prevent cancer, giving survivors new hope for the future.
About the Study
It’s called the Cancer Prevention Study-3 (CPS-3), and it’s the latest national research study conducted by the American Cancer Society. This grassroots effort seeks active participants to make a long-term investment through enrollment. Dr. John Lee, Associate Professor and board certified otolaryngologist at Sanford Health System, is an American Cancer Society-funded researcher. He has worked with cancer research for more than 20 years and believes that looking for causes to predict cancer is monumental. “We’re taking a scientific approach to prevent cancer and this is a unique opportunity to partner with the American Cancer Society to create one of the largest and most important studies of cancer causes worldwide,” he says.
98
SIOUX FALLS WOMAN • june/jul y 2012
Diversity Poses Challenges
The Society is committed to enrolling a diverse population, and for good reason: one can’t understand how cancer affects a person if they aren’t reflected in the study. Dr. Delf Schmidt-Grimminger, senior scientist with the Avera Research Institute and an American Cancer Society-funded researcher, specializes in working with Native populations. “Our goal with the CPS-3 study is to enroll as many people with diverse backgrounds as possible, says Dr. Schmidt-Grimminger.
The Power to Prevent Cancer
Often times, people living with loved ones dealing with cancer feel powerless against the disease. “Thanks to the CPS-3 study, they have an opportunity to make a difference,” says Denise Kolba with the American Cancer Society “We are not too late to save thousands from a cancer diagnosis. Many of us may be spared because of this study’s outcomes.” The American Cancer Society’s CPS-3 study is inviting men and women between the ages of 30 and 65 years who have no personal history of cancer to enroll. Getting started is easy, safe and most important, secure. First, register for an enrollment site. After a preliminary survey and blood sample, the duration of the study involves follow-up surveys and research updates through annual newsletters. “It’s the continued involvement over the years that is critical to the success of the story,” says Kolba.
Where to Join CPS-3
The following is a list of the 2012 events where CPS-3 enrollment in South Dakota will be taking place. Please tell everyone you know about this one-time historic opportunity to make a difference in the fight against cancer. For more information on the study, visit: www.cps3siouxfalls.org or www.cancer/cps3.