The first big study found that smoking causes cancer. As no-duh as that seems now, it actually was quite groundbreaking then, a finding that changed our entire society for the fresher. A second big cancer-prevention study linked obesity to the deadly disease, and, again, Americans took note -- and took off pounds.
A third big cancer study is being launched right now. What might it find?
"It could lead to the end of cancer," the American Cancer Society's Kathi Di Nicola said in a meeting with members of the News Tribune editorial board this week.
And she wasn't overstating at all. Cancer Prevention Study III, or CPS-3, will examine the links between the disease and what's in the air we breathe and the water we drink. Expectations are as big as our big lake -- even bigger than finding out smoking is bad for you.
And you can be part of it.
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Think about that: You can be part of finally canceling out cancer, that decades-long health scourge, that "epidemic," as Di Nicola referred to it. One in three women and one in two men develop cancer in their lifetimes.
In three weeks, at eight Twin Ports locations, residents will be invited to sign up to participate in CPS-3. Anyone interested who's 30 to 65 years old and who hasn't been diagnosed with cancer (not including basal or squamous cell skin cancer) will be asked for a small blood sample and a one-time waist measurement. After that, every two or three years over the next 20 or 30 years, a survey will arrive in the mail to be filled out and returned. Simple as that to save lives.
"This is a big call to the community," Di Nicola said. "It's a great way for anyone who has lost a loved one to cancer to take part in the fight against it. This is something anyone can do. ... We're not turning anyone away."
As many as 300,000 Americans are expected to participate, including 500 to 700 from the Twin Ports. But surely we can do better than that. Why not try to top the 2,000 expected to participate from the Twin Cities area? Let's really show those metro dwellers who's engaged.
"This is a concrete scientific way you can help," Di Nicola said.
And why wouldn't any of us want to do that?
