There were 185 area residents had blood drawn over the past two days in hopes of helping prevent or cure cancer.

There are among the 300,000 people being sought nationwide to participate in a 30-year American Cancer Society research project, Cancer Prevention Study-3 (CPS3). The American Cancer Society partnered with PowerSouth to get local participation.

American Cancer Society representatives who coordinated the local event were pleased with the turnout. They said 195 people had signed up for appointments, and they generally experience 10 percent no-shows. This week’s turnout represented 94 percent of those pre-registered.

CPS3 is unique in that it includes blood tests, and is designed to help researchers understand the genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors that cause or prevent cancer. Those who enrolled in the study completed a comprehensive online survey about their health and family histories. For the past two days, they’ve shown up at PowerSouth to complete additional questions and have blood drawn. Some of the blood samples will be tested, and all will be frozen.

Every two years for the next 20 to 30 years, participants will be asked to complete a new survey Participants who are diagnosed with cancer will be asked to contact the ACS, and researchers will look at their blood work and surveys differently.

While PowerSouth was the ACS’s main partner in Covington County, others supporting the local effort include: Andalusia Regional Hospital, 21st Century Oncology, Sacred Heart Cancer Center, City of Andalusia, City of Florala, Covington Electric Cooperative, Southeast Alabama Gas District, and the Andalusia Area Chamber of Commerce.