Dear Editor:

It’s often far too easy to underestimate the importance of cancer research…until you hear the words “you have cancer.”

Those three words can make all the difference between simply absorbing news about developments in cancer research and truly appreciating the power of what scientists like those funded by the American Cancer Society do each and every day.

This fall, scientists aren’t the only ones who will be making a difference. Residents of our community will have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to enroll in the American Cancer Society’s third Cancer Prevention Study which seeks to help us better understand the factors that cause or prevent cancer.

Individuals between the ages of 30 and 65 who have never been diagnosed with cancer and who are willing to make a long-term commitment to the study will be able to enroll on Nov. 13 from 7 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and Nov. 14 from noon to 5:30 p.m. at PowerSouth Energy Cooperative Headquarters in Andalusia. You can see all the locations and times of enrollment by visiting cps3covington.org.

I encourage all eligible men and women in our community to consider taking part in this important study.

I also call on my fellow cancer survivors to spread the word by asking friends and family to enroll in your honor.

Remember: Research being done today will help ensure future generations never have to hear those dreaded three words.

Sincerely,

Patty Ashworth