NORTH ADAMS - The American Cancer Society wants you to help them find a cure for cancer.

At this year's Northern Berkshire Relay for Life, residents will have an opportunity to enroll in a cancer prevention study that will monitor their lifestyles over a period of several years. Called a "Phase 3" study with the tagline "Research today for a cancer-free tomorrow," the study seeks to garner 500,000 participants nationwide over the next two to three years.

According to CPS-3 (Cancer Prevention Study - Phase 3) Northern Berkshire Enrollment Chairwoman Heather Benlien, the study is a chance to join the effort to find a cure for cancer, a disease that killed more than 559,000 people in 2007.

"This is an amazing opportunity for our community to get involved with cancer research. This new study will pave the way for the next generation of research at the American Cancer Society and further advance our understanding of the factors - like lifestyle, environment and genetics - that cause or prevent cancer," Benlien said.

"Through this study, we can work to eliminate cancer as a major health concern for future generations," she said.

The city was selected as an enrollment location in an attempt to target diverse populations, said Benlien, and the sign-up process will only take between 30 and 45 minutes. At the enrollment event, participants will be asked to read and sign an informed consent form, complete a brief written survey, provide a waist measurement and give a small blood sample (drawn by a trained, certified phlebotomist).

Later, a second, more detailed survey will need to be completed at home and will ask for specific information on lifestyle behavior and other health-related issues.

In order to be eligible for the study, participants must be between 30 and 65 years old, have never been diagnosed with cancer (not including basal or squamous cell skin cancers) and willing to make a long-term commitment to the study, which includes completing a follow-up survey every few years.

CPS-3 will follow up with study participants to better understand what factors contribute to a cancer diagnosis.

"It's sad but inevitably some of the 500,000 participants will develop a cancer diagnosis and we have to separate the groups by their demographic factors. What are their lifestyles, their environments, their genetics? That's what the American Cancer Society is looking to piece together with this study," said Benlien.

As the only enrollment location in the county this year, Benlien said the goal right now is to get the word out to as many people as possible.

"Everyone has been touched by cancer in some way and this study is one way for someone who wants to take that extra step and help fight back against this disease," said Benlien. "It's another way to get involved in the research that the Relay raises funds for."

Enrollment for the study will take place on May 30, from 6 to 10 p.m. at the Relay for Life at Noel Field. For more information, contact www.cps3@cancer.org or call 1-888-604-5888.