SAVANNAH — The American Cancer Society is seeking “champions” in the Savannah/Chatham and surrounding areas who are interested in helping to spread the word about the importance of participating in cancer prevention study-3 (CPS-3), a nationwide study to help researchers better understand the genetic, environmental and lifestyle factors that cause or prevent cancer.

Champion information sessions will take place from 8-9 a.m. Wednesday and 6-7 p.m. Thursday at 6600 Abercorn St. Refreshments will be served at each event. CPS-3 participants will receive the information they need to help educate and recruit community members to enroll in CPS-3.

“This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity for Americans to participate in life-saving cancer research,” said Amy Riesinger, American Cancer Society regional mission delivery director. “We are excited to offer this opportunity for area residents to make an appointment and enroll in the study at their convenience between Feb. 26 and March 1, 2013. Our goal is to recruit 75 or more CPS-3 champions and enroll a total of at least 400 participants during this time.

“In order to reach these targets, we need passionate people who are committed to fighting cancer. While the American Cancer Society has been conducting these types of studies for decades, their world-class research department can only study new and emerging cancer risks if members of the community are willing to become involved.”

There are no specific age or eligibility requirements to be a champion. There are, however, eligibility considerations for those who wish to enroll in the study. Men and women who are willing to commit to the study must be between the ages of 30 and 65 and never have been diagnosed with cancer. The study will enroll a diverse population of 300,000 people across the United States. To enroll, individuals provide a waist measurement, give a small blood sample and complete a comprehensive survey online or at the enrollment site. During the course of the study, participants will be asked to fill out follow-up surveys every few years.

“Many individuals diagnosed with cancer struggle to answer the question, ‘What caused my cancer?’ In many cases, we don’t know the answer,” Riesinger said. “CPS-3 will help us better understand what factors cause cancer, and once we know that, we can be better equipped to prevent cancer.”

To RSVP for one of the sessions, call 912-355-5196. For more information about CPS-3, go to www.cancer.org/cps3 or call toll-free 1-888-604-5888.