Prince George residents invited to take part in major cancer prevention study

June 7, 2011, Prince George – The BC Cancer Agency’s BC Generations Project clinic opened its doors to Prince George and area residents this morning, inviting everyone aged 35 to 69 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 Prince George resident.

“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 assessment clinic provides every Prince George 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, the assessment clinic will run from June 7 to July 9. The 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, email bcgenerationsproject@bccrc.ca or visit www.bcgenerationsproject.ca

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The BC Generations Project, a project of the BC Cancer Agency, will collect data and biospecimens from 40,000 British Columbians aged 40 and 69 as the basis for ongoing studies to learn more about preventing cancer and other chronic diseases for future generations. Sign up today at www.bcgenerationsproject.ca.

The BC Cancer Agency, an agency of the Provincial Health Services Authority, is committed to reducing the incidence of cancer, reducing the mortality from cancer, and improving the quality of life of those living with cancer. It provides a comprehensive cancer control program for the people of British Columbia by working with community partners to deliver a range of oncology services, including prevention, early detection, diagnosis and treatment, research, education, supportive care, rehabilitation and palliative care. For more information, visit www.bccancer.ca.

The BC Cancer Foundation, the fundraising partner of the BC Cancer Agency and the largest charitable funder of cancer research in B.C., enables donors to contribute to leading-edge research that has a direct impact on improvements to cancer care for patients.

BC Cancer Agency Media Contacts:

Allison Colina
BC Cancer Agency
allison.colina@bccancer.bc.ca