CANCER is a terrifying prospect but having more information is a major step forward to squashing the fear.Many people do still not fully understand the various causes of cancer and remain confused as to what the triggers of the disease can be.

CANCER is a terrifying prospect but having more information is a major step forward to squashing the fear.

Many people do still not fully understand the various causes of cancer and remain confused as to what the triggers of the disease can be.

That is why the Cancer Campaign in Suffolk has been trying to raise enough money for a cancer information centre at Ipswich Hospital to help quell cancer myths.

And the Evening Star is running the Raise the Roof campaign to help them raise the final £100,000 to put the roof on the centre.

A recent survey carried out showed worrying results and that people still need more education on the subject.

The survey, by Cancer Research UK and Centrica, reveals that many Britons believe that bereavement or divorce can triggers cancer and over a third of those questioned also believed that cancer can develop from bruised testicles or breasts.

The survey, which questioned 1,000 people, coincides with the launch of Centrica and Cancer Research UK's 'Touching Lives' partnership, which aims to increase awareness and understanding of cancer amongst staff and help to prevent the disease and raise £400,000 for future cancer research.

Surprisingly men and women scored equally in the awareness stakes, contradicting the perception that men are not as well informed when it comes to health matters.

But worryingly, the survey also shows that older people were less aware even though they were the most likely to develop the disease.

Cancer Research UK's Communications Director, Susan Osborne, said: "We are delighted to announce this partnership with Centrica, especially knowing that staff have chosen Cancer Research UK as their charity of the year.

"It is vital that we dispel any misconceptions about cancer and over the next 12 months we hope to inform staff on how they can help themselves.

"Through our 'Touching Lives' partnership we hope to raise vital funds which we need for research into cancer."

Sir Roy Gardner, Chief Executive of Centrica, added: "Our own in-house employee survey has shown that cancer has touched the lives of almost 90 percent of our employees in some way. As a result, Centrica staff feel passionately about the 'Touching Lives' partnership and I am sure we will have a very successful year of fundraising."

In 1998 CCIS began its campaign to raise £300,000 to build the centre and after it had raised a huge total of more than £200,000 by itself the Evening Star stepped in to launch an appeal for the rest.

Fundraising is taking a variety of forms but we still need more so let us know about your events by calling Evening Star Newsdesk on 01473 324789 or email.

Or make a donation by cheque payable to Raise the Roof and send it to Geraldine Thompson Editor's secretary Evening Star 30 Lower Brook Street Ipswich IP4 1AN WEBLINKS www.ipswichhospital.org.uk www.cancercampaigninsuffolk.co.uk