The American Cancer Society's Epidemiology Research Program is asking men and women ranging from 30 to 65 years old with diverse backgrounds to enroll in the Cancer Prevention Study 3. The study aims to better understand the factors that cause or prevent cancer such as diet, physical activity and air pollution.

Recruiting in Central Texas begins March 24 at the Hill Country Bible Church from 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The American Cancer Society will continue recruiting participants throughout Texas the rest of the year.

People interested in participating should schedule an appointment online and will be prompted to take an online survey. On the day of their appointment, participants sign a consent form, have their waistlines measured and give a blood sample.

Through follow-up surveys sent to study participants every two to three years during the next 20 to 30 years, the American Cancer Society will track different changes in lifestyle and their correlations to cancer. The American Cancer Society aims to find effective ways to prevent cancer and eventually eliminate cancer as a health concern in future generations. Only men and women who have not previously been diagnosed with cancer, except for basal and squamous cell skin cancers, are eligible for the study.

The first cancer prevention study began in 1959 and the second in 1982. Past studies have proven links between smoking and lung cancer as well as impacts of obesity on cancer occurrence. Texas is one of three states including Missouri and Oklahoma currently involved in the study. The American Cancer Society aims to recruit 300,000 participants in 2013.

Upcoming enrollment dates in Central Texas include:

March 24: Hill Country Bible Church, 12124 N. RR 620, Austin

May 5: Riverbend Church, 4214 N. Capital of Texas Hwy., Austin

June 16: Celebration Church, 1202 Rabbit Hill Road, Georgetown

June 18: University Medical Center Brackenridge, Clinical Education Center Room C1.110, 601 East 15th Street, Austin

June 20: Seton Medical Center Hays, Learning Center Side 1, 6001 Kyle Parkway, Kyle