Participants are being sought for a major cancer prevention study – the largest such study in Canadian History.
The BC Generations Project was launched by the BC Cancer Agency in 2009 to explore how genetics, environment, lifestyle and behaviour contribute to the risk of developing cancer and other chronic diseases like heart disease and diabetes.
The study aims to collect health information, as well as blood and urine samples from 40,000 British Columbians by 2012, as part of a nation-wide study of 300,000 Canadians from five provinces.
“Everyone has been touched by cancer, whether themselves, their family, or a friend,” said Parliamentary Secretary for Health Promotion, Terry Lake in a statement. “Research like the BC Generations project leads to advances in our knowledge of cancer. And research depends on people like you and me participating, so please, take a little bit of time, and join this important national study.”
To take part, you must be between the ages of 35 and 69. The BC Generations Project clinic is currently set up in Kelowna until Feb. 5 but if you are unable or unwilling to make the trip there, you can still take part locally, said study spokesperson Allison Colina.
She said that the survey portion of the study can be done at home and that arrangements would be made with a local clinic for collection blood and urine samples.
For more information about the study and how to get involved, please call, toll free, 1-877-675-8221, email bcgenerationsproject@bccrc.ca or visit online at: www.bcgenerationsproject.ca.