Yesterday I enrolled in a cancer study by the American Cancer Society. I joined 300,000 people ages 30 to 65 that have no incidents of cancer volunteering to be followed for next 20 to 30 years. My husband was surprised I enrolled in the study. Both my parents had cancer twice, my sister died from cancer at seven and numerous relatives and friends have passed or been diagnosed with cancer. I am also familiar with the cancer study of nurses examining their incidents of cancer. If I can help in a small way to understand this disease and possible treatment to cure, I want to.
What was involved?
I answered two in depth surveys. There were questions about sleep, exercise, where I lived and how long, gender appropriate questions: how many children if any, date of last mammogram, neutral question: date of last colonoscopy, how many fruits, veggies and red meat do I consume in a day. Of course, the answer to red meat was none! Have I ever smoked and how much, drink, how much, how often and why I do or don’t. I also gave my social security number for tracking and signed a HIPPA form.
I gave blood. I gave more blood than I thought I would, maybe it just seemed like it was more. It is not difficult to draw my blood; my veins are pronounced since I lift weights, I really have no reason to complain. They also measured the circumference of my waist in centimeters! My waist is so much larger in centimeters than inches. I dug in my purse immediately for a tape measure which I just happen to have (please don’t ask) and do the conversion. After the conversion, I relaxed, a little. Lastly, I made a promise that I will be available for follow up– FOREVER!
Cancer in NEPA has a higher incident of certain cancers. NEPA has a 28% higher incident rate of colon cancer than the remainder of the US. My mother had colon cancer. My husband’s beloved aunt died from colon cancer. DGK participates in C.A.S.U.A.L Day in effort to raise awareness for the disease. If I could do anything to help even a small gesture, I would. Therefore, I enrolled in the twenty to thirty year study.
I admit I stopped and considered the implications of the study with the new healthcare reform and the fact that I gave my social security number. Is it possible that someday this study will show up on my employment records? While that idea is very futuristic and a bit paranoid, I suppose it may be our reality. In the movies, we are our social security number.
With that in mind, would I agree to a study that I have thought about over the past 15 years? My mother died from complication due to Alzheimer’s disease. Would I, knowing that my future may hold the disease, agree to test for it now? To me, Alzheimer’s has different implications than cancer. While that may not be accurate, it is my viewpoint after caring for my mother through two cancers and Alzheimer’s.
I watched a clip on the news about a new medical test for Alzheimer’s disease. Ironically, I do not remember the hospital that conducted the testing. The premise involves the patient injected with dye, if the patient has the disease in their brain at any level the dye cling to those fibers, then show as red in a scan and if no disease is present there is no red in the brain. In other words, red dye equals the disease. The results of the new testing does not determine the speed at which the disease will develop or when. It shows that the disease exists.
Currently I am not brave enough to enroll in a study for Alzheimer’s disease. I do honor those who are willing to test for Alzheimer’s disease. If I become brave, I will let you know. After all, I agreed to be available for next twenty to thirty years.
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