Tomorrow Project seeks Lethbridge participants
November 5, 2010
LETHBRIDGE – The Tomorrow Project visits Lethbridge this month, giving southern Albertans an opportunity to join the long-term research study into the causes of cancer.
People interested in joining the study are invited to a mobile clinic at the Jack Ady Cancer Centre within Chinook Regional Hospital from Monday, Nov. 29 to Thursday, Dec. 2.
They will be asked questions about their health and lifestyle, have some physical measurements taken and give small amounts of urine and blood, or saliva. Each appointment will take about one hour.
By 2012, researchers want to recruit 50,000 Albertans, ages 35 to 69, who have never had cancer. The research team will follow the health of these individuals for up to 50 years.
"This study will create a legacy for future generations," said Dr. Nigel Brockton, Tomorrow Project co-investigator and an Alberta Health Services (AHS) epidemiologist.
"Participants have the chance to play a key role in the development of ways to prevent and treat cancer and other chronic diseases."
This is the first time the study has visited areas outside Calgary and Edmonton for participants. If successful, mobile clinics could be rolled out throughout the province.
Alberta Health and Wellness Minister Gene Zwozdesky, AHS Board Chair Ken Hughes and AHS President and Chief Executive Officer Dr. Stephen Duckett have all given their support to the project.
"I want to thank everyone who has already shown the courage to sign up for this important study and encourage all Albertans to participate," said Mr. Hughes. "It is a small sacrifice for something that will make a big difference."
Studies show that almost half of all Albertans will develop cancer in their lifetime and one in four will die from the disease. In Alberta Health Services’ South Zone, which includes Lethbridge, 1239 people developed cancer in 2008 (the latest year full records are available) and 538 died from the disease.
For information or to join the study, visit www.in4tomorrow.ca and complete the online form or call 1-877-919-9292. Interested individuals are asked to book an appointment ahead of time.
AHS is the provincial health authority responsible for planning and delivering health supports and services for more than 3.7 million adults and children living in Alberta. Its mission is to provide a patient-focused, quality health system that is accessible and sustainable for all Albertans.
Partners for the Tomorrow Project include Alberta Innovates-Health Solutions, Alberta Cancer Foundation, Alberta Health Services and at the national level, the Canadian Partnership Against Cancer. The Tomorrow Project could not occur without the generous support of our partners.
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