Georgia Cancer Study

The Georgia Cancer Coalition (GCC) provided funds from the tobacco settlement to Emory University to conduct a study to better understand cancer in Georgia.  The study — The Georgia Cancer Study (GCS) — is a cohort study.  The goal of the GCS is to enroll 140,000 adults that live in the State of Georgia, are between the ages of 25 and 74 and do not have cancer.  Some frequently asked questions about this study are:

What is a cohort study? A cohort study is a research study where a group of people, the “cohort,” is enrolled. This group of people is then followed over time to see if they develop cancer or other diseases.  Information and samples are collected when the person signs up for the study. Additional information will be collected every year or two afterwards. We may ask for additional samples in the future.

What is the purpose of this study? The purpose of this study is to better understand cancer in Georgia, factors related to cancer and overall health and well-being.  This study offers a unique opportunity to understand the causes of cancer, and to develop better methods of cancer prevention.

Who can participate in this study? Georgia residents age 25 to 74 years of age with no prior diagnosis of cancer*.

What does this study involve? People who consent to participate will have their blood pressure recorded (and possibly height and weight). They will also provide blood, urine, and saliva samples. These samples will be stored so that scientists can answer research questions both now and in the future. Participants will be asked to complete questionnaires about diet, lifestyle, medical and family history.  

Where is this study taking place? Throughout the State of Georgia with the help of community organizations, churches, hospitals and local businesses.
*Note: You can still participate if your cancer is limited to cervical cancer in-situ removed in a doctor’s office with no further treatment; or basal or squamous skin cancer removed completely with surgery and no further treatment.

How long will this study last? The study is expected to last 10 or more years.

Who is funding this study? This study is funded by the Georgia Cancer Coalition.

How will my privacy be protected? You and your samples are identified by a unique, arbitrary number. Your information will only be used for research purposes.

Can I withdraw from the study at any time? Yes. You can withdraw from the study at any time. Your participation is completely voluntary.

Who watches out for the participants? The two main safeguards are the Institutional Review Board (IRB) and Informed Consent Process. All research involving human subjects must be reviewed and approved by an IRB.  The IRB is a committee consisting of health care professionals, scientists, and non-medical people from the local community who review all studies to ensure that the participants’ safety is protected and their personal rights are respected.

What do GCS participants receive in return for their time and trouble? The participants may receive several benefits, some of which are intangible: 1) The self benefit of belonging to an important group that serves to benefit mankind. Participants will help improve the lives of their families and neighbors in Atlanta.  They are part of a prestigious team. 2) Participants will receive informative newsletters that will keep them informed about the progress of the study and any new findings.     

Why is the Georgia Cancer Study necessary?  More than 31,000 Georgians develop cancer each year, making Georgia one of the states with the highest cancer rates.  Another 14,000 Georgians die from cancer each year.  Despite success in developing new treatments, the specific causes of most cancer cases are unknown.  More work needs to be done to understand what causes cancer and how to prevent it. 

How can I join this study or find out more information? You can join the study by volunteering online at www.georgiacancerstudy.org or you can contact us by phone at 1-877-7ASKGCS (1-877-727-5427).