(file photo/CKOM News Staff)

By CKOM News Staff

Sask. Cancer Agency seeks participants for huge health study

Feb 1, 2023 | 11:51 AM

The Saskatchewan Cancer Agency is looking for thousands of people to join a massive health research study.

The study, dubbed Healthy Future Sask, is the local component of a 50-year pan-Canadian health study known as CanPath. The cancer agency said it’s looking for more than 7,000 Saskatchewan residents aged 30 to 74 to participate.

The study, the agency said, will create a huge data pool that will be used in future research into the causes and prevention of cancer, as well as other chronic diseases such as heart and lung disease and diabetes.

Deb Bulych, the cancer agency’s president, said she hopes Saskatchewan people pitch in and help with the important project.

“Our province is well known for our kindness, generosity, and willingness to rally together given a chance,” Bulych said in a statement. “This research project allows us to come together once again to help create a healthier future for Saskatchewan and all Canadians.”

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Those who sign up will spend about 45 minutes filling out an online questionnaire, the agency said, with questions about health and lifestyle. After that, they will book a 30-minute visit at a centre in Saskatoon and Regina for “a blood or saliva sample and other measurements.”

During the study, the agency said, participants will be contacted to provide updates on their health and lifestyle information, and can choose to opt out at any point.

Privacy will be protected during the study, the agency said, through stringent protocols around confidentiality and access to information.

Raiz Alvi, director of epidemiology for the cancer agency, said the study offers a good chance to help move medical research forward.

“Adding Saskatchewan to this major research project is an opportunity to be part of creating a legacy with wide-ranging impacts for generations to come,” Alvi said in a statement.

More information on the study can be found online.