If you could prevent someone from getting cancer with just a few hours of your time, would you?

That’s the question that the American Cancer Society hopes more than a million people will say “Yes” to.

The society is gearing up for its third Cancer Prevention Study. Previous studies have helped establish the link between smoking and lung cancer, as well as the risk other behaviors pose for cancer.

If you are between the ages of 30 and 65 and have never been diagnosed with cancer, you are eligible. And your participation will help save lives.

All you need to do is enroll at an event at Sentara Obici Hospital in September, then complete follow-up surveys by mail every two years. The enrollment will require you to answer a comprehensive survey, give a small blood sample and a few physical measurements, such as your height, weight and waist circumference. The follow-up surveys will take mere minutes in the comfort of your home.

So for the experience of a routine checkup at the doctor and the follow-up time commitment of watching one sitcom every two years, you can be involved in groundbreaking research that will help future mothers, daughters, fathers, sons, husbands, wives, siblings — and maybe even your own grandchildren.

“It’s essentially a very simple commitment, yet you could be saving so many lives,” said Dawn Ward, senior director for marketing communications for the South Atlantic Division of the American Cancer Society.

It’s hard to imagine why someone who is eligible wouldn’t participate in this study. Nearly everyone knows someone who has suffered from cancer, and nearly everyone has witnessed the heartache it causes.

If you’re eligible, do your part by participating. So often, people say to cancer patients, “Let me know if you need anything.” This is what they need.

Kick-off events are planned next week, and enrollment will take place Sept. 22. For more information, visit www.cps3hamptonroads.org.