ALBANY, N.Y. - On Tuesday Albany Medical Center is urging Capital Region residents and its own hospital employees to take part in a landmark study they say has the potential to prevent cancer for future generations.
During a press conference Tuesday, Albany Med announced it is teaming up with The American Cancer Society to encourage thousands of people, including their 7,200 employees, to enroll in "Cancer Prevention Study-3."
The nationwide initiative is looking to track 300,000 people across the country for 20 years, logging their lifestyles, environmental, behavioral, and genetic factors. The team wants to gather as much information as possible on what causes or prevents cancer.
The 20-year study is the only one of its kind currently being conducted in the
U.S.
It is a commitment Albany Medical Oncologist Rufus Collea admits is a long-term undertaking, but well-worth it. "If I ask anyone whether they've been affected by cancer, most, if not all, people would answer 'yes,'" Collea says. "Twenty years may seem like a long commitment, but when you think about the advances in cancer treatment these studies help create, the length of time involved is worth it."
Albany Med is encouraging all men and women between the ages of 30 and 65, from various racial and ethnic backgrounds, who have never been diagnosed with cancer to participate in the study.
Enrollment for Albany Med employees, community organizations and the general public will take place:
- Thursday, Oct. 18: 10 am-1:30 pm, Hilton Garden Inn at Albany Medical Center, 62 New Scotland Ave., Albany
- Friday, Oct. 19: 7 am-2 pm, Harriman State Campus, Building 8A, New York State Department of Tax and Finance, Albany
- Sunday, Oct. 21: 9 am-2 pm, Making Strides Against Cancer Walk, Washington Park, Albany
To enroll, or for more information on the CPS-3 study click here.
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