What is the purpose of this study?

This is an important study that will evaluate how various aspects of a person's life, such as their job or their personal and family history of medical conditions, combine with a person's unique genetic makeup to contribute to chronic diseases.

What is the goal of this study?

The goal of this study is to identify ways to reduce the risk of cancer and other chronic diseases in Minnesotans.

How was I selected for this study?

You were selected as a possible participant in the study because your name was randomly chosen (like a flip of a coin) from lists of people living in Minnesota.

Why is it important for me to participate in this study?

We have invited a random sample of the Minnesota population to participate in this study. In order for our results to be accurate it is important that we hear from as many people selected as possible. It is only through the generous help of people like you that we can improve the health of Minnesotans.

How do I know that my answers will be confidential?

Information collected from you for this study will only be used for research purposes and is strictly confidential as required by law. The information that identifies you, such as your name and address, will be stored separately from your responses to the questionnaire. We will not use names of participants when we report the study results.

What will I be asked to do if I decide to participate in this study?

There are two parts to this study:

Part 1: A mailed survey will ask information about your personal habits, exercise, diet, medical history, and exposures you may have had on the job or in everyday life. The survey may take as long as thirty minutes to complete.

Part 2: Is optional and involves providing a mouthwash rinse sample by mail. Cells from the lining of your mouth are collected in the mouthwash rinse. These cells will be used to isolate your genetic material (DNA). This DNA may give us more clues into why disease happens. The mouthwash collection kit will be mailed to you after you complete the survey.

Why do you want DNA from my cheek cells?

We are interested in subtle differences in DNA that change how we respond to different environmental and chemical exposures. We will combine the questionnaire data and DNA information to see how they interact and impact health. There is no clinical or health predictive value to this kind of work yet but we hope through studies like this we will learn more about how individual differences impact health. Because there is no clinical or predictive value, the results of the DNA analysis will not be given to you or your doctor.

Who can I contact if I have questions?

If you have questions regarding the study, please call our research staff using our toll-free number 1-866-434-9879 or e-mail our staff at muralstudy@epi.umn.edu. If you would like to talk to someone other than the researchers, you are encouraged to contact the Fairview Research Helpline at telephone number 612-672-7692 or toll-free at 1-866-508-6961. You may also contact this office in writing or in person at University of Minnesota Medical Center — Fairview Riverside Campus, #815 Professional Building, 2450 Riverside Avenue, Minneapolis, MN 55454.