With the advent of a new national research study into what causes — and could potentially prevent — cancer, more than 640 people across the region have enrolled their time to help combat the deadly disease.

The American Cancer Society announced that 222 individuals enrolled at Lourdes hospital during Nov. 15-17 for the Cancer Prevention Study-3, and a prior enrollment at Western Baptist Hospital in April enrolled 421 people.

The 20-30 year study, which is open to individuals between the ages of 30-65 who have not been diagnosed with cancer, will look at genetic, lifestyle and environmental factors that may cause or prevent cancer.

The previous Cancer Prevention Studies by the American Cancer Society resulted in discovering the link between smoking and lung cancer and certain lifestyle factors associated with increased cancer risks.

Following the enrollment period, the Society will now send periodic follow-up surveys to update enrollee information and annual newsletters with study updates and results. Periodic follow-up surveys of various lengths are expected to be sent every few years to enrollees.

The voluntary, long-term commitment by participants is what will produce benefits for decades to come. For more information about CPS-3, visit cancer.org/cps3.