Enroll in Cancer Prevention Study-3 at Carroll Hospital Center March 15 & 16

In the past week, an American Cancer Society study announced some important findings concerning a small, increased risk of advanced breast cancer among young women who smoke. The data for this came from Cancer Prevention Study-2 (CPS-2), which began in the 1980s and is still yielding a wealth of knowledge about cancer, its risk factors and how to prevent it.

Since March is also Colon Cancer Awareness Month, I'd like to share some colon cancer findings that have also come out of CPS-2. They include links between:

• Aspirin use and reduced risk of colon cancer
• Diabetes and cancers of the pancreas and colon
• Physicial activity and lower risk of various cancers (including breast, colon and aggressive prostate cancer)

If you live in or near Carroll County, you have the unique chance to contribute to the next generation of cancer research gathered by the American Cancer Society. From March 12-16, enrollment takes place in Carroll County. Two enrollments are conveniently scheduled at Carroll Hospital Center on March 15-16, and Westminster Mayor Kevin Utz has proclaimed March 15 Cancer Prevention Day in the city.

You are eligible to enroll in the study if you are between the ages of 30 and 65, have not been diagnosed with cancer (except basal and squamous cell skin cancer), and are willing to make a long-term commitment to fill out surveys mailed to your home every few years.

For an enrollment appointment, go to www.CPS3CarrollCounty.org. Here's the complete list of Carroll County enrollment sites:

• March 12, 3-6:30 p.m., M&T Bank, Mount Airy
• March 13, 4-7:30 p.m., Four Seasons Sports Complex, Hampstead
• March 14, 4-7:30 p.m., Merritt Athletic Club, Eldersburg
• March 15, 11:30-3 p.m., and March 16, 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Carroll Hospital Center, Westminster

Please consider enrolling or help spread the word!