WHILE the recent disclosure that the UK's cancer survival rates are worse than most of our European neighbours stresses the importance of speedier diagnosis and treatment, it is also vital that, in the struggle to beat this killer, those for whom the battle is lost are not overlooked.

How welcome it is, then, that patients in East Lancashire will benefit from a £1.5million investment in cancer services in Lancashire that puts the focus on improving care for those who are terminally ill.

East Lancashire is to gain significantly as two of the three new posts it creates for consultants specialising in palliative medicine will be based in our region which currently has none at all.

Additionally, it will finance the appointment of a hospice medical director for East Lancashire --based at Pendleside -- and the development of more 'hospice at home' services so that patients who want to die in their own homes can be supported by specialist nurses skilled in the care of the terminally-ill.

Other benefits include the creation of a 24-hour helpline and the appointment of new co-ordinators to bring together palliative care services in their areas to ensure that the best is available.

And while the battle against cancer goes on -- helped by marvellous support from you for appeals like our Magic Eye campaign -- it is only right that those for whom it is sadly too late are helped to die with dignity in the least possible pain.