Michigan Cancer and the Environment

MI-CARES: The Michigan Cancer and Research on the Environment Study

['FUNDING_OTHER'] · UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN AT ANN ARBOR · NIH-11189774

This project will look at whether air pollution, heavy metals, PFAS, noise, and chemicals in personal care products affect cancer risk for adults living in Michigan, especially in communities with higher pollution.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_OTHER']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorUNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN AT ANN ARBOR (nih funded)
Locations1 site (ANN ARBOR, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11189774 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

If you join MI-CARES, researchers will collect your health history, address, and biological samples and link those to environmental measurements like air pollution, lead, and PFAS. They will follow participants over time to see who develops cancer and compare exposure levels across neighborhoods, races, and income groups. The team will also measure less-studied exposures such as noise and chemicals in personal care items to better understand their possible role in cancer. Results are intended to guide prevention, reduce exposure, and inform local and state policy.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Adults aged 21 and over who live in Michigan, including people from high-exposure areas like Flint and the Detroit Tri-Cities, who can provide health information and long-term follow-up.

Not a fit: People under 21, those living outside Michigan, or individuals unwilling to provide health data or biological samples are unlikely to be eligible or to benefit directly from participating.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: Could identify environmental factors that raise cancer risk and guide actions to reduce exposures and prevent cancer in Michigan communities.

How similar studies have performed: Prior epidemiologic studies have linked air pollution, lead, and PFAS to cancer or other harms, but this statewide, integrated effort combining many exposures and underserved communities is relatively novel.

Where this research is happening

ANN ARBOR, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.