Oklahoma health and fitness briefs for August 7, 2012

Almost everyone knows about the Susan J. Komen Race for the Cure, an annual event to raise money for breast cancer research.

But you might not know about the Great Prostate Cancer Challenge Dash for Dad, a fundraising race that aims to be a similar advocate for men's health; money raised goes to help in the fight against prostate cancer, which is the second leading cause of men's cancer deaths.

Oklahoma City's second annual Dash for Dad will be Sept. 8. It includes a 1-mile fun walk, a 5K race and — new this year — a half marathon.

Awards will be given to winners and to those who achieve a personal best time. Door prizes will be awarded.

The event is an OKC Running Club Series Race.

Races begin at 8 a.m. at Lake Hefner's Stars and Stripes Park.

Registration for the half marathon is $35 before Sept. 7 and $40 on race day. The 5k is $25 before Sept. 7 and $30 on race day. The mile-long walk is $10. If that's too much work, simply donate $25 to Doze for Dad, and you'll receive a Dash for Dad T-shirt.

Register at greatprostatecancerchallenge.com/races/oklahoma-city. The site explains how to form or join a team, raise money and more.

Cancer study seeks volunteers

The American Cancer Society is seeking more than 1,000 Oklahoma volunteers for a 20-year cancer prevention study.

Oklahoma participants will join hundreds of thousands of volunteers nationwide in the Society's historic Cancer Prevention Study-3. The goal is to better understand the causes and prevention of cancer.

The study will follow participants' health for more than two decades to see how genetics, environment and lifestyle affect cancer rates. About 300,000 volunteers are needed nationwide, including 25 percent from diverse populations, according to a news release. The study will build on work that began in the 1950s.

The study is open to people 30 to 65 years old who have never been diagnosed with cancer.

“Those enrolling will be asked to read and sign an informed consent form, complete a comprehensive health survey, provide physical measurements and give a small blood sample,” the release states. “Participants must be willing to make a long-term commitment to the study and complete periodic surveys at home.”

Enrollment will be Sept. 18-22 in Oklahoma City. To schedule an appointment, go to www.cancerstudy.org or call (888) 604-5888.

The Fine Arts Institute is hosting its annual “5K to Monet” Aug. 25. The event includes a 1-mile family fun run and a 5k race. The runs begin and end at the statue of Claude Monet in the front garden of the Fine Arts Institute, 27 E Edwards, in Edmond.