The American Cancer Society has teamed up with Fort Smith for a new study.
The Cancer Prevention Study 3, or CPS 3, is a national study looking for links between cancer and every day life.
"Oh, I think it's amazing that locally we can actually participate in the fight in a huge study that will hopefully acquire a tremendous amount of data," said Dr. Kristy Gast with Fort Smith Radiation Oncology.
So far, about 200 people have signed up to take part in the study. However, the American Cancer Society would like to see about 60 more people come out for the study Thursday and Friday.
"It's not gonna hurt - well, maybe a little. And it'll help a whole lot of people," said one volunteer, who said she's participating because she wants to make sure doctors know more about cancer before her kids grow up, in case they are diagnosed with it.
People who want to participate can go to Mercy Hospital and fill out a short form, that asks questions about your family history and daily activity.
Nurses will then take a blood sample, and get your waist measurement.
After that, volunteers are free to go. A few weeks later, they will be asked to complete another survey that asks more detailed questions.
Every two or three years, the American Cancer Society will send the participant another survey to complete, in an effort to keep information up to date.
The two previous studies done through the American Cancer Society had important findings for the medical community, according to Dr. Gast.
The first study, performed in the 1950s, linked smoking to lung cancer. The second study showed how obesity plays a part in several different types of cancer.
As for this study, Rhonda Brammell, a research volunteer, said they don't know what they'll find.
"We won't know for 20 or so years. We have to wait for all of the data to be collected and analyzed before the findings are known. But I bet it'll be something surprising...something new," said Brammell.
For more information on how you can participate in the study, click here.