NCT04609072 · National Cancer Institute (NCI)
Connect for Cancer Prevention Study (Connect)
What this study is about
Background: The National Cancer Institute, part of the National Institutes of Health, has partnered with nine health care systems across the U.S. to establish the Connect for Cancer Prevention Study. While researchers have made important discoveries, there is more to learn to lower the number of people affected by cancer.
View original scientific description
Background: The National Cancer Institute, part of the National Institutes of Health, has partnered with nine health care systems across the U.S. to establish the Connect for Cancer Prevention Study. While researchers have made important discoveries, there is more to learn to lower the number of people affected by cancer. By taking part in Connect, participants can help researchers learn how the way we live, our genetics, and our health history may affect cancer risk. Objective: To study and better understand the causes of cancer and to find new ways to prevent it. Eligibility: The study will include 200,000 adults who get their health care from a partner health care system, are between 30 and 70 years old at enrollment, and have never had cancer. People remain eligible to join if they have or once had non-melanoma skin cancer, or a condition that may raise cancer risk (such as ductal carcinoma in situ, or DCIS). Design: Eligible recruits can sign up for Connect online by creating an account on MyConnect using their email address or phone number. After creating an account, they will complete the informed consent process. All information shared through MyConnect is secure to protect participant privacy. After joining the study, participants will be asked to answer online health surveys a few times a year, donate samples of blood, urine, and saliva every two to three years, and safely share access to their electronic health records with Connect. In the future, participants may donate unused samples that are collected at clinical visits, like tissue, stool, or blood, and may mail in samples collected at home. Participants may also share information from personal health trackers, like wearable devices or apps. This information will help researchers study the health and behavior patterns that may affect cancer risk. It takes time to understand the causes of cancer, so Connect will go on for many years. The longer people participate, the more researchers may learn. Participants can leave the study at any time. Learn more about Connect by visiting cancer.gov/connectstudy.
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- Due to the minimal risk nature of this protocol, all individuals interested and able to participate in Connect for Cancer Prevention, who meet the eligibility criteria at time of initial study invitation, will be able to participate. In order to be eligible to participate in this study, an individual must meet all of the following criteria:
- Patients or members of participating IHCS at the time of enrollment
- Age between 30 and 70 years old at study invitation If an individual is determined to be ineligible at the time of enrollment due to age, the individual will be allowed to re-enroll at a later time once the recruit meets the age requirement. This includes recruits that did not meet the original age requirement of 40-65 years of age but now meet the updated age range of 30-70.
Exclusion criteria
- An individual who meets any of the following criteria at time of initial study invitation will be excluded from participation in this study:
- Individuals with a confirmed history of invasive cancer (other than non-melanoma skin cancer)
- Individuals with known cognitive impairment documented in their medical record
Where
- Denver, Colorado
- Atlanta, Georgia
- Honolulu, Hawaii
- Chicago, Illinois
- Detroit, Michigan
- Minneapolis, Minnesota
- Portland, Oregon
- Sioux Falls, South Dakota
- Dallas, Texas
- Marshfield, Wisconsin
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Jul 8, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations