The American Cancer Society is still seeking volunteers for a cancer study to begin in Laurinburg next week.

Cancer Prevention Study 3, or CPS-3, is a 15-20 year study to determine what lifestyle choices lead to cancer. On Thursday, ACS staff will hold initial assessments for Scotland County volunteers who are interested in taking part in the study. Those aged 30-65 who have never been diagnosed with cancer are eligible.

The study will track 300,000 people nationwide, including 7,500 in North Carolina. The American Cancer Society would still like to enlist 50 more Scotland County volunteers to reach its goal of 200.

Both male and female participants of every race and demographic are sought, as the study will draw correlations between those factors and an individual’s likelihood of developing cancer.

“We will be focusing on genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors that are causing cancer,” said Rachel Urban, American Cancer Society mission delivery manager for Southeastern North Carolina. “CPS-1 was conducted in the 1950s and it really was the first research study that connected tobacco use and cancer. CPS-2 was done in the 1970s and it really focused on linking obesity and weight with certain types of cancers. All three of them are volunteer-based research studies.”

The initial appointment, the only in-person meeting involved with the study, will last for approximately 20 minutes. Participants will be asked to fill out a confidential survey about their lifestyle and nutritional habits, take a waist measurement over their clothing, and have a small amount of blood drawn by an American Cancer Society epidemiology team.

Following that assessment, participants will be asked to fill out a mailed questionnaire every two to three years for up to 20 years.

Initial assessments will be held from 2:30-6:30 p.m. on Thursday at Scotland Place Senior Center. Appointments can be made at www.cps3robesonscotland.org or by calling Urban at 336-580-1813. Walk-ins will also be accepted.

Relay for Life

Relay for Life will hold the kickoff for this fall’s event on April 15 at 6 p.m. in the W.R. Dulin Conference Center on the campus of Scotland Memorial Hospital. According to co-chair Stewart Thomas, the date has not yet been set, but the theme this year will be “Superheroes.”

“Anyone who’s interested in forming a team as well as returning team captains, please feel free to join us,” said Thomas.

Relays for Life raises money for research and awareness for the American Cancer Society.