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FAQs: About CPS-3
CPS-3: The Basics
A. CPS-3 is a longitudinal, prospective cohort study. That means we recruit and collect data from a large group of people, called a cohort, who are all cancer free at the start, making this a prospective study. The study is also a longitudinal type because we continue to collect data for many years, with participants responding to surveys and providing biological samples. Our goal is to better understand why and how certain people develop cancer while others remain cancer free.
A. CPS-3 is funded by the American Cancer Society (ACS) and managed by the ACS Population Science department, which conducts and publishes original research on the causes and prevention of cancer as well as on the needs of the growing number of cancer survivors.
A: More than 300,000 men and women of various racial/ethnic groups from all over the United States and Puerto Rico are enrolled in CPS-3.
A: We ask all CPS-3 participants to answer surveys approximately every 3 years for at least 20 years. Participants who are part of the Portal will receive surveys more frequently. A key part of maintaining the scientific validity of large-scale studies like CPS-3 is being able to follow people over a long period of time to update relevant lifestyle, environment, health, and health care information.
A: No. We completed recruitment for CPS-3 in 2013 and are no longer enrolling new participants.
A: Visit our website at cancer.org/cps3, email us at cps3@cancer.org, or call our toll-free number at 888-604-5888 (Available Monday-Friday 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM EST). You can also join our Facebook page to see updates. to see updates.
CPS-3: Study Standards & Safety
A: There is ongoing peer review of CPS-3 procedures, data analysis, and scientific strategy by cancer researchers from many prominent universities and research institutions.
A: Throughout the study, as ACS investigators analyze survey and biological data, there is continual oversight and review by the Emory University IRB (Institutional Review Board).
A: Before an approved research study starts, and every year the study continues, a research oversight committee known as the IRB is charged with ensuring that appropriate steps are taken to protect the welfare and rights of humans who are participating as research subjects based on the ethical principles of the Belmont Report. The Study’s managers must submit detailed documentation about the study to the identified IRB before it begins and when any changes are made.
A: The Belmont Report is the common name for the Ethical Principles and Guidelines for the Protection of Human Subjects of Research written by the National Commission for the Protection of Human Subjects of Biomedical and Behavioral Research as part of the National Research Act passed by Congress in 1974.
Last updated: September 2023
