Actors named as CancerBACUP patrons at launch of 'CancerQs' internet service

September 13th 2001: Leading actors Sheila Hancock, John Thaw and Nigel Havers will become patrons of the charity CancerBACUP when they help launch the charity's internet "CancerQs" service - the first of its kind in the UK.

The new question and answer section on CancerBACUP's award-winning website is designed for people who want to find out more about tests and treatment for any type of cancer.

Ms Hancock will demonstrate how easy it is to use the new service during a visit to CancerBACUP's headquarters in Rivington Street, London, on Thursday (September 13th).

She will also take part in an interactive discussion on a separate website, iVillage.co.uk - with whom the charity already works in partnership - answering questions submitted over the internet.

Ms Hancock said: "I was proud to be asked to become a patron of CancerBACUP and hope I can let more people know about its work to provide cancer patients and their relatives with accurate information. For many people, CancerBACUP offers a lifeline at a difficult time."

Speaking about CancerQs, Mr Havers said: "People with cancer aren't sure if they are asking the right questions and don't always know where they can turn for advice.

"It's very helpful to be able to look at the most commonly asked questions about particular conditions and find clear and concise answers written in a way that is easy to understand."

Joanne Rule, chief executive of CancerBACUP, said: "We're delighted that Sheila, John and Nigel have agreed to become our patrons.

"We try to make our services as easy to use as possible and a question and answer section on the website seemed the best way to help guide people through the maze of questions they have about cancer.

"As the Internet is 'open' 24 hours a day people will be able to use CancerQs at any time.

"Relatives, who can be reluctant to express their own fears, will also be able to look up the things that are worrying them. The new section will also prove invaluable for people who know what they want to ask but feel embarrassed or too awkward to speak directly to other people."

The award-winning website for CancerBACUP, the leading national charity providing information and support to people affected by cancer, can be found at www.cancerbacup.org.uk and it will include the new CancerQs section from September 13th. The charity also runs a free helpline service staffed by specialist nurses and runs local centres around the country. In June 2001, iVillage UK and CancerBACUP partnered to offer women an online discussion resource to help cope with breast cancer with advice from CancerBACUP's specialist nurses and members of the iVillage community.