Residents sign up for historic study on cancer

 HILLVIEW - Nearly 70 local residents can now claim to be part of a historic study into what causes cancer.

Thomas Barr

Bridgette Etherton has no fear as blood is drawn for her participation in the cancer study

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Thomas Barr

Sandy Higgins joins in the study

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Thomas Barr

Tamie Crecelius has a blood sample taken

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The American Cancer Society recently hosted statewide signups for a 20-30 year student into cancer prevention.

At the Jewish Hospital Medical Center South facility in Bullitt County, 69 residents signed up to be part of the program.

“It’s an ugly disease,” said Tamie Crecelius after signing up for the study.

With both parents having cancer, Crecelius said participating in the study made sense.

“It is very important that we find a cure,” said Crecelius.

To participate, each person had to read and sign a consent form. A lifestyle profile was required for each person, who then had to have a waist measurement taken and a blood sample taken.

There will be periodic follow-up surveys taken for those who enrolled.

Crecelius said having a part in a future cure is important but the program would also give her some insight if any medical issues arise.

One might think that those who are part of the medical field would be less fearful of being part of the study group.

But Bridgette Etherton, long-time member of the Bullitt County Emergency Medical Services, said that isn’t necessarily true.

“We don’t want to think we would ever be sick,” Etherton said of many medical personnel. “Many of us don’t even want to have our blood pressure taken.”

A regular at the Bullitt County YMCA, Etherton said she was encouraged by a coordinator to participate in the study.

With such a huge number of ovarian cancer cases in the area and with the encouragement of others, Etherton said she decided to participate.

The blood analysis might help detect any medical issues she might be having, said Etherton.

“As we get a little older, we should realize that there are things that we need to take care of,” said Etherton.

The study will look at individuals between the ages of 30-65 who have not been diagnosed with cancer. The study will look at their genetics, lifestyle and environmental factors that may cause or prevent cancer.

Throughout the state, 1,238 individuals signed up between Aug. 9-10 to participate in the study.