BURY health bosses deny claims that ovarian cancer patients are getting a bad deal.

A report by the Cancer Research Campaign claims that ovarian cancer patients in the North West may fare worse because local surgeons are failing to meet national treatment guidelines.

The report claimed that less than half the women treated for ovarian cancer in the Manchester area are receiving gold standard surgical treatment.

Dr Sheila Will, consultant in public health for Bury and Rochdale Health Authority, who is also a member of the Greater Manchester Cancer Strategy Group, said local women should not assume they are receiving a second rate service.

"The report reflects the great diversity of treatment and referral patterns within Greater Manchester, and we are fortunate to have the services of experienced gynaecological clinicians who realise the importance of early referrals to specialist centres."

But Dr Will admitted the results show the need for greater scepticism in the field of ovarian cancer which is also one of the national recommendations to be issued by the NHS.

"It is clear that a set of national standards need to be adopted to allow all women to receive the best possible treatment and chances of survival."

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