Blood Samples Needed For 19th Ward Cancer Study

CHICAGO (BEVERLY) — As the University of Chicago continues its study that in part seeks to find why certain cancer diagnoses have become more frequent among 19th Ward residents in recent years, the team of doctors working on the study will collect blood, urine and saliva samples from neighborhood residents on Saturday, Feb. 29 at the 19th Ward Office. The samples will be taken from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Beverly neighborhood office at 10400 S. Western Ave. and be used as data for the University team conducting the multi-year study.

19th Ward Ald. Matt O'Shea said Thursday in an email to ward residents that any 19th Ward resident age 35 or older is encouraged to participate in the study and provide samples for it on Saturday. To do so, residents will need to complete three online questionnaires and provide blood, urine and saliva samples. Those who do will earn $50.

"The entire process takes approximately one hour," O'Shea said.

Participants can save time by completing some parts of the study ahead of time online by contacting Andy Craver at cravera@bsd.uchicago.edu or 773-702-9644.

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