SUFFERERS of three types of cancer will be able to receive treatment at local hospitals now the local NHS Trust has received official recognition as a Cancer Unit.

The decision to recognise it was made by the National Health after they decided the area had the right facilities and expertise in dealing with breast, lung and colorectal cancers.

Working with family doctors in the area, Wigan and Leigh Trust has already set up a special team to look at improving treatment and facilities for cancer patients in the borough. And as a result of their efforts new fast tracking systems have been introduced and new chemotherapy guidelines drawn up, and a hospital based Macmillan Nurse appointed.

The next plan is to develop a strategy for being designated as an expert unit for treatment of other types of cancers.

Dr. Manju Bhavnani, Consultant Haemotologist, who was leading the team, said: "We knew we had the workload and expertise in the first three types of cancer which were being looked at. We were determined to make sure we continued to offer people the convenience of a local service.

"I believe these developments will improve the way services are provided, in a way which directly benefits patients. For example we will see more visiting consultants from Christie Hospital bringing their specialist expertise to our local hospitals.

"Now we will aim for designation in ovarian, prostate and haematological cancers, which are due to be assessed next by the region. This type of cancer is curable if picked up early, but too many people are only going to their doctor at a late stage in the disease when it is far too difficult to treat. We want to work with the Health Authority to educate people about the early warning signs for this disease."

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