To better understand ways to prevent cancer, the American Cancer Society is recruiting 500,000 men and women across the U.S. and Puerto Rico, including St. Joseph residents, to participate in the new Cancer Prevention Study-3.

Rita Whipple, a Heartland oncology social worker, said participants “collectively may make a huge difference in cancer research and how we can prevent cancer.”

“CPS-3 will help researchers have a better understanding of the genetic, environmental and lifestyle factors that cause or prevent cancer,” she said.

St. Joseph residents can enroll in the study at the annual Relay For Life, an event that raises money for the American Cancer Society. Enrollment will be from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. June 12 at Word of Life Church.

Debra McDowell, a cancer survivor, says this research can potentially help improve the lives of future generations.

“I have small grandchildren, and I think it would be great if 20 or 30 years from now they looked back at relay 2009 and said, ‘Thank you for taking part in this study,’” she said. “If they could be the first generation that said, ‘We have a virtually cancer-free generation,’ I think that would be wonderful.”

Participants must be between 30 and 65, never been diagnosed with cancer — other than basal or squamous cell skin cancer — and willing to make a long-term commitment to the study. For more information, visit www.relayforlife.org/andrewbuchananmo.