Holy Name Medical Center Participating In Nationwide Cancer Prevention Study

TEANECK, N.J., Feb. 21, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Holy Name Medical Center is seeking participants for a historic nationwide study sponsored by the American Cancer Society (ACS) called Cancer Prevention Study-3 (CPS-3).  CPS-3 will give northern New Jersey residents an unprecedented opportunity to be involved in research that has the potential to change the face of cancer for future generations by helping us better understand the genetic, environmental and lifestyle factors that cause or prevent the disease.

The study will enroll a diverse population of up to half a million people across the United States and Puerto Rico.  Enrollment is open to men and women who:

• are between 30 and 65 years old
• have never been diagnosed with cancer (not including basal or squamous cell skin cancer)
• are willing to make a long-term commitment to the study, which involves completing periodic follow-up surveys at home

Persons interested in enrolling must first register online at www.cps3bergencounty.org.and schedule their enrollment visit.

At Holy Name Medical Center, enrollment will take place on Tuesday, April 16, 11:00 am – 2:30 pm; and on Wednesday, April 17, 3 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. in the Marian Hall Conference Center, Conference Room 2.

Individuals will be asked to read and sign an informed consent form, complete a brief survey, have their waist circumference measured, and give a small blood sample.  The in-person enrollment process takes approximately 20 to 30 minutes to complete.  At home, individuals will complete a comprehensive survey packet that asks for information on lifestyle, behavior, and other factors related to their health. Upon completion of this process, the ACS will send periodic follow-up surveys to update participant information and annual newsletters about study progress and results. The initial and follow-up surveys completed at home will take an hour or less of time to complete and are expected to be sent every few years.

Marylou Anton, MSN, RN, OCN, Executive Director of Oncology at Holy Name Medical Center, signed up right away. "People can be part of something very big," she said. "To be involved means giving back and potentially being on the cusp of the next cancer breakthrough." Ms. Anton said registration was fast and easy, and it took only 15 minutes for her to complete the questionnaire.  "I think I can give that much time to something that can potentially help me, my family, and so many other people in the future."

"This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity for Americans to participate in lifesaving cancer research," said Denise Andersen, Regional Vice President of the American Cancer Society. "While the American Cancer Society has been conducting these types of studies for decades, their world-class research department can only study new and emerging cancer risks if members of the community are willing to become involved."

"Many individuals diagnosed with cancer struggle to answer the question, 'What caused my cancer?' In many cases, we don't know the answer," said Ms. Andersen.  "CPS-3 will help us better understand what factors cause cancer, and once we know that, we can be better equipped to prevent cancer."

Anyone can be a CPS-3 champion. Even if you do not enroll in the study, you can help spread the word. For more information about CPS-3, visit www.cps3bergencounty.org.

ABOUT HOLY NAME MEDICAL CENTER:

Holy Name Medical Center is a fully accredited, not-for-profit healthcare facility based in Teaneck, New Jersey, with off-site locations throughout Bergen County.  Founded and sponsored by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Peace in 1925, the comprehensive 361-bed medical center offers leading-edge medical practice and technology administered in an environment rooted in a tradition of compassion and respect for every patient. Holy Name provides high quality health care across a continuum that encompasses education, prevention, early intervention, comprehensive treatment options, rehabilitation and wellness maintenance—from pre-conception through end-of-life.

SOURCE Holy Name Medical Center