By Stephanie Stahl

MARLTON, N.J. (CBS) – The fight against cancer is ramping up and now a national organization is looking for your help.

The American Cancer Society kicked off it’s new Cancer Prevention study today, and is looking for volunteers to participate. This is the kind of research that can lead to big advances, like the link between smoking and lung cancer.

51-year-old Terri Merlino, of Marlton, New Jersey, is a cancer survivor.

“I was diagnosed with colorectal cancer at the age of 42,” said Terri.

While Terri can’t participate, she joined many South Jersey healthcare representatives encouraging people to join a new American Cancer Society Cancer Prevention Study, also called CPS-3.

“Ultimately CPS-3 hopes to eliminate cancer as a major health threat for future generations,” said Frank Mascia, the Executive VP of American Cancer Society.

They’re looking to enroll hundreds of local men and women, ages 30 to 65, who have never been diagnosed with cancer.

Participants will have their waist measured, give a small blood sample, and take surveys.

“People who are in the study will be asked to complete a comprehensive survey packet at home that asks for information on the lifestyle, behavioral, and other factors related to their health,” said Dr. Arnold Baskies, with Virtua Surgical Specialists.

Using the information, doctors will try to better understand the causes of cancer, develop improved treatments, and better ways to prevent it.

Sascha Schumann is among the first to volunteer.

“I lost my father, grandfather, friends, neighbors with cancer, and we need to try to prevent that,” said Sascha.

This is a nationwide study, and those participating in it will be followed for more than 20 years.

For more information, visit: www.seeuthere.com or Philadelphia CPS-3 Study Information- www.seeuthere.com.