"We are close to 60 relay teams now, and we have around 1,000 registered participants for this year's relay. It's sure to be our biggest ever event."

If she seems surprised, it's because last year was such a rousing success, and this year's event is taking place during difficult economic times.

Even more important than the usual relay event, in many ways, is the fact that this year it will be used by the American Cancer Society as a springboard to get as many volunteers as possible signed up for a Cancer Prevention Study.

The study, which is national in scope, will enroll half a million people across the country and follow them through the next few decades. Volunteers complete a short written survey, provide a waist measurement, and give a small blood sample when they enroll. After that, follow-up surveys will be sent to participants on a regular basis to update health and behavior information.

All this data will be used to build on the evidence gathered from previous American Cancer Society studies that began in the 1950s. These studies have led to much of our modern understanding of cancer risk and cancer prevention. They confirmed the link between cigarette smoking and lung cancer, for example. The current study, CPS-II, began in 1982 and continues. The new one, CPS-III, will involve a new population with new lifestyles.

"It is not an exaggeration to say the American Cancer Society is the only organization likely to be able to successfully recruit and retain such a large-scale population for cancer research," said Eugenia E. Calle, Ph.D., American Cancer Society director of analytic epidemiology, who is overseeing the study. "We have an excellent record dating back to the 1950s of conducting these types of studies; we can bring together a world-class research department with a unique community-based volunteer structure like Relay For Life; we can reach diverse populations nationwide who have a shared commitment to cancer research and to eliminating this disease. And because we are a non-profit organization with the ability to partner with volunteers, we can conduct the study for much less than would be possible for the government or a private corporation."

The Pine Bush Relay for Life on June 13 will be one of 16 sites in New York and New Jersey that will be enrolling volunteers for the study. Enrollment will be easy: just show up between 4 and 8 p.m. at the Relay — Town of Crawford Park — and the enrollment tent will be set up in the middle of the Relay site. The whole thing should take about 20 minutes.

"While science can do a lot to explain the biology and genetics of cancer, some of the most valuable information we have is a direct result of the contributions of dedicated individuals over several generations," said Dr. Calle.

"So far we have approximately 300 people committed to sign up," said Donna Henke. "But I think we can get even more. So we're trying to get the word out to as many people as possible, and a diverse population too. So, anyone reading this, please tell as many people as possible and give me a call: 845-744-8017."

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