Stanwood chosen for cancer prevention study

The American Cancer Society has selected the Stanwood-Camano Relay for life as an enrollment site. During the initial cancer prevention study held in the 1950s, many participants smoked while they filled out surveys developed by the American Cancer Society (ACS).

Results of the study exposed a link between smoking and lung cancer.

The second study, in 1982, continued to confirm that improper diet, lack of exercise and obesity led to higher risk factors for obtaining certain forms of cancer.

Now, a third study is slated to begin this year and the Stanwood-Camano Relay for Life, taking place May 21-22, is a designated enrollment site. Jeny Heckman, chair for the ACS Cancer Prevention Study 3 and Stanwood resident, is thrilled.

“This opportunity is a real honor for our area,” said Heckman. “Select cities are chosen to participate based on the attendance of past Relay for Life events, residents’ lifestyles and the surrounding environment.”

By enrolling in the study, citizens can aid crucial ACS research, and possibly, help find a cure for cancer.

“So often, people feel helpless or vulnerable to this disease, they feel as though they have no control,” said Heckman. “This is a way to take control.”

Heckman has felt both sides. She watched her father in-law, Chuck Heckman, battle non-Hodgkin lymphoma for 19 years before his death in March 2008 at the age of 65.

Caring for her father-inlaw in his final months, Heckman witnessed the ravaging effects of the disease.

“I watched a wonderfully kind, healthy, robust man with an absolute lust for life, disappear before my eyes,” she said.

Although cancer took her father-in-law’s life, Heckman took back control by continuing to fight against the disease through a memorial blood drive in Chuck Heckman’s honor and recent work with the study.

After finishing training in San Jose, Calif., Heckman is focused on educating the public and encouraging citizens to apply.

The goal of the third study is to better understand the factors (lifestyle, environment, genetic) that cause or prevent cancer and, ultimately, to help eliminate the disease for future generations, said Heckman.

Men and women between the ages of 30 and 65 who have never been diagnosed with cancer are eligible to apply.

Heckman said the most important factor for applicants is a willingness to participate in a long-term study. The cancer prevention study requires, at least, a 20-year commitment.

“However,” said Heckman, “after the initial checkin during the Relay for Life and a subsequent follow-up survey, enrolled participants will only receive a questionnaire every two years.”

The estimated time it takes to fill out a questionnaire is 45 minutes.

Maintaining contact with participants over an extended period of time is critical to establish valid scientific data. This is the reason ACS uses Relay for Life events to recruit, said Heckman.

“With only 500,000 available spots nationwide, we don’t want to waste any space,” she said.

Enrolling in the study will take about 30 minutes. Applicants are required to fill out an initial questionnaire, take a waist measurement and give a small sample of blood.

While the questionnaire provides a detailed picture of the applicant’s lifestyle and environment, the required waist measurement and blood sample accurately measure medical factors that may be related to risks of developing cancer.

Heckman encourages Relay for Life participants to enroll in the study to “get on the frontlines of cancer research.” Applicants are not required to participate in the relay.

“This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to make a difference,” she said.

For more information about the Cancer Prevention Study 3 or how to enroll, contact Jeny Heckman at 425-238-0501 or e-mail jenyheckman@live.com. Interested applicants are asked to contact Heckman prior to the event; however, walk-ups will be welcomed. Enrollment will take place from 5-9 p.m. on May 21 at the Stanwood High School stadium. Information on the Relay for Life is available at www.relayforlife. org/stanwoodwa.