Prince George – The BC Cancer Agency’s BC Generations Project provides Northern BC residents, aged 35 to 69, with the opportunity to contribute to the health of future British Columbians. You can do so by taking part in the largest cancer prevention study in Canadian history.

The BC Generations Project is part of the largest health study of its kind in Canada, exploring how genetics, environment, lifestyle and behaviour contribute to our risk of developing cancer, as well as other chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart disease.

BC Cancer Agency’s distinguished scientist and BC Generations Project principal investigator John Spinelli explains that every participant’s anonymous information will contribute to cancer studies for decades to come.

“You have the opportunity to reduce the occurrence of cancer and chronic diseases in the future. All that’s required is that you are between 35 and 69 years old and live in B.C.,” he says. “It’s a huge opportunity for our generation to do something for future generations.”

The study aims to collect health information, along with blood and urine samples, of 40,000 British Columbians, as part of a national study called the Canadian Partnership for Tomorrow Project that is recruiting 300,000 Canadians from five provinces.

“Most everyone has been impacted by cancer, whether themselves, their family, or a friend,” says LaDonna Fehr, director of clinical operations-systemic therapy, BC Cancer Agency’s Centre for the North, and first study participant at the Prince George clinic.

“Working with cancer patients over the years, I have watched as they and their family members anguish with feelings of powerlessness in the face of a cancer diagnosis. The BC Generations Project provides every Northern resident with the opportunity to take an active role in helping researchers better understand the lifestyle and genetic factors linked to cancer and chronic disease. This study is significant for the future health of our community. I encourage you to learn more about how you can take part while the assessment clinic is in town.”

Northerners can participate in the study through a mail-in survey, or, for residents living in or close to Prince George an assessment clinic will run from June 7 to July 9. This temporary clinic is being generously funded through the BC Cancer Foundation and is located at 1777 Third Ave, Suite 300, in Prince George.

For more information about the study and how to get involved, please contact:

604-675-8221
Toll Free 1-877-675-8221
bcgenerationsproject@bccrc.ca
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© 2011 Dawson Creek Daily News