(Calhoun, Ga) — Researchers at the American Cancer Society are beginning to enroll 500,000 adults across the United States for its Cancer Prevention Study-3 (CPS-3).

This historic study will help the society better understand the lifestyle, environmental, and genetic factors that cause or prevent cancer, and ultimately eliminate cancer as a major health concern for future generations. Enrollment for the study will be conducted at the American Cancer Society’s Relay For Life in Gordon County from 5-9 p.m. on Friday, May 7 at the Northwest Georgia Regional Fairgrounds. The Gordon County Relay For Life is one of only two sites in Georgia and many around the country this year where individuals may enroll in the new study.

“This study is extremely important to further our understanding not only of what factors cause cancer, but the processes by which cancer develops,” said Mary Wright, Mission Delivery manager for the American Cancer Society in Gordon County. “We are extremely grateful to the half a million men and women across the country who we hope will make this vital contribution to help fight cancer by helping make the study a success.”

Researchers are looking for a diverse group of men and women between the ages of 30 and 65 who have never had cancer and are willing to complete a mailed survey every two years during the course of the study, which is expected to continue for several decades. And while the study is expected to last for years and yield lifesaving results, initial enrollment will take just 30 minutes. At the relay event, individuals will be asked to complete a brief written survey, provide a waist measurement, and give a small blood sample. Follow-up surveys will be sent within a few months of enrollment, as well as every few years to update participants’ health behavior information. For more information or to learn how to participate, visit www.cancer.org/cps3, email cps3@cancer org, or call toll-free 1-888-604-5888.