The American Cancer Society wants 300,000 to study over 20 to 30 years

TAMPA - Eleanor Goldstein drove an hour to Tampa to secure her spot in a new cancer prevention study held at a local YMCA.

"I didn't even think twice. I signed up right away as soon as I found out," she said.

Goldstein is one of 300,000 people the American Cancer Society plans to follow for up to twenty years. Eleanor wanted to help after her best friend was diagnosed with stage three breast cancer.

"It really hit home. I was kind of devastated. I was so afraid for her," she said.

That is when she decided to sign up to become a participant in Study-3.

"There is not many things that people who don't have cancer can do to help those with cancer," said Brad Smith the director of the cancer institute at Saint Joseph's hospital in Tampa.

The Cancer Institute at Saint Joe's is joining forces with the American Cancer Society. Cancer Prevention Study 3 allows researchers to understand how people's life styles, environment and genetic background can cause or even prevent cancer.

"We are going to look at those that were unfortunate and did get cancer. We will see how they were similar or different from other participants that did not get cancer," said Smith.

It is a simple process to help. You must be cancer free and between the ages of 30 and 65. Goldstein said it is a small price in the long road to prevention.

"I don't think I could have been as strong as her," she said.

Once accepted you have to fill out a survey, give body measurements and a small blood sample.

Every few years a follow up survey is mailed home to be completed.

"A half hour of your time to maybe save lives? You can't not do it," said Goldstein.

She is thankful even more because her best friend is fighting her battle with breast cancer and is in remission.

For more information on the Cancer Prevention Study-3 call 1-888-604-5888 or visit cancer.org/cps3 .