Albany, N.Y. - On Thursday the American Cancer Society with the help of Albany Medical Center set out to break records, hoping to get more than 700 people enrolled in a study that aims to prevent cancer and could even find a cure.
"Hello, welcome today. Can I have your first and last name?" said Michele Mack, Senior Director at the American Cancer Society.
That's how hundreds were greeted as they signed up for a 20 to 30 year cancer prevention study, making history as they enrolled to take part in the only study of its kind in the U.S. Of course there are requirements.
"Are you between the ages of 30 and 65, and you've never been diagnosed with cancer?", said Mack.
The study seeks to determine factors that can cause cancer.
By having participants fill out surveys each year or every other year, doctors hope to find a link between what they write down and the disease.
"Nutrition, about physical activity, about medications that you take. About environmental issues, about how many times you've been in the sun, and things like that," said Mack.
Thirteen years ago at the age of 31 Mack was diagnosed with cancer, and because of that she can't sign up but is thankful for all those who are.
"It's just really important to me as a cancer survivor, and it's just amazing to see all the support of the people who came out to join the study and be part of history for us," said Mack.
689 people signed up Thursday and over the weekend hundreds more are expected to.
On Friday, October 19th you can sign up in Albany from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Harriman State Office Complex, Building 8A.
On Sunday, October 21st you can sign up in Albany from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Event at Washington Park.
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