IN the fight against cancer, the equation is a simple one - increased awareness of the disease equals earlier diagnosis equals a better chance of survival.

That's one of the reasons why this year's Race for Life - which aims to raise cash to battle the disease - is such an important event in Worcester's calendar.

So far, 1,560 women have come forward and said they will take part in the run at Pitchcroft on Sunday, June 17.

And that means a huge increase in the amount of attention which will be paid to the disease and how it can be fought.

This will be the third year that Worcester has staged a Race for Life. The first one, in 1999, inspired 670 women to take part - and raise an impressive £25,000.

Last year, around 2,000 women came from near and far to run or walk around Pitchcroft. Some had suffered from cancer, some were taking part in memory of loved ones who had died from the disease, and others were involved simply because they knew they were needed.

We're sure that the women of the county will be inspired this year by stories like that of Kate Oliver.

Mrs Oliver took part in the Race for Life for the first time just five months after she finished a course of chemotherapy.

She wasn't very strong at that point but, with the encouragement of her husband, she completed the Pitchcroft event, together with her daughter.

This year she will be taking part in the race for the second time and wants as many people as possible to either join in or sponsor someone.

Her words are well worth quoting here: "We all know someone who's been affected by cancer. I never thought it would happen to me. I think it's great if we can all do our bit and raise money for such a worthwhile cause."