You may be able to stop cancer

NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) - You may not be a doctor, but you may be able to help cure cancer. The American Cancer Society (ACS) is looking for half a million adults to take part in the largest cancer prevention study ever done.

The American Cancer Society began the study decades ago. In the 1950's, phase one connected cigarettes and lung cancer. Phase two, which began in the 1980's connected obesity with some cancers. For phase three, the ACS is looking to follow 500,000 people nationwide, with about 325 from Hampton Roads.

Ginny Johnson is a survivor and coordinator of the local participant registration event.

"My mom was planning on doing the study when we got the word so, my father will be the first in line," said Johnson.

Her mom has stage four breast cancer. Now a caregiver too, Ginny is passionate about prevention.

The study is a way for her and her friend Brandi Anderson, who's mother also had cancer, to fight back.

"Worrying and being prepared are two different things to me. I'm being prepared by doing this study," Anderson said.

The public can join the team to help strike out cancer at Harbor Park on June 4. Sign-up is going to happen between first and second base between 3 p.m. and 7p.m.

It's happening during the Relay for Life fundraiser. You don't have to be a part of that event to participate, but you must be between 30 and 65 years old and never had cancer.

You'll fill out a short survey, get measured and give a blood sample. Then you'll receive a longer survey every three years to five years for the next 20.

Johnson said, "The goal is to try to put a face on who gets cancer, why do they get cancer."

If you're interested in volunteering for the study or would like more information go to the CPS-3 webpage or call 888-604-5888.