NURSES in East Lancashire are supporting a campaign to dispel myths about what palliative care means to cancer patients.

For many the term deals solely with the support and assistance which medical professionals can offer at the end of an individual's life.

But Macmillan nurses across the area say their role is just as much about an individual's quality of life as it is about facing terminal conditions.

Marion Preston 54, from Langho, who works as a Macmillan community nurse specialist for the Pendle area, appreciates the value of being kept informed about the progress of cancer conditions more than most.

She was diagnosed with cancer 10 years ago but made a full recovery after undergoing surgery.

Marion, who is based at Burnley Hospital, said: "Palliative care is not end of life care as many people think. It is care for someone when there is no cure for their illness.

"But advances in medical treatments mean that they may live with that illness for some time and our role is to help people adapt to their cancer diagnosis.

"Macmillan as a charity is very much about helping people living with cancer."

She is part of a 10-strong team, working with the charity across East Lancashire - others will cover Blackburn and Darwen, Burnley and Rossendale, working out in the community and with patients attending East Lancashire and Pendleside hospices.

Nurses receive funding from the organisation for the first three years of their career can rely on professional support throughout their working life.

Bowel cancer patient John Holly, 58, is full of praise for the assistance of nurses like Marion, who visits his home off Skipton Old Road, Colne, regularly to keep him up-to-date about his condition.

She has visited me several times and probably the biggest helps she has been is with her knowledge and understanding of my medication," said John.

"She is able to take it to a level of detail and understanding beyond that of any of the doctors. She can go back to the doctors and discuss what is happening before discusssing whether I need to change my treatment.

"She takes time to explain it all to me, which is really nice to see."

John and Marion occasionally have to talk about sensitive subjects such as life expectancy and the limitations which his condition imposes on him.

But John said he had always been impressed with the expertise with which Marion deals with such difficult areas.

John was first diagnosed with bowel cancer in June 2006 but he developed a secondary cancer, affecting his liver and lungs, as a result of chemotherapy.

To find out more about the charity's activities locally contact 0808 808 2020 or log on to www.macmillan.org.uk