A wise move to help ensure that more cancers are detected early
SIR – Extra training for GPs to identify cancer in younger adults ('GPs to receive new training after woman's cancer missed', report, February 23) is welcome.
When I worked at the Walton Centre, which specialises in neurology and neurosurgery, I encountered children and adults with brain tumours that had not been identified until a key symptom – such as a seizure, fall, or speech or hearing impairment – led to a scan. It taught me the importance of early diagnosis.
On retirement, I volunteered as a lay person at the oncology faculty of the Royal College of Radiologists for six years, and learnt that missed diagnosis was a problem with other cancers, too. If symptoms are not immediately indicative of cancer, but other possibilities have been eliminated, GPs should refer to an oncology specialist.
Tony Murph y
Governor, Clatterbridge Cancer Centre
Hoylake, Wirral
SIR – On the same page as your report, 'NHS sets 'race quotas' to win diversity awards' (February 17), you noted that one in three patients has had to chase results for X-rays, MRI scans and other tests. The health service needs to sort out its priorities.
Judy Chandler
Polegate, East Sussex
SIR – I echo the comments made by Linda Bilby ('NHS at its best', Letters, February 22). In June last year I was given a potentially life-changing diagnosis. Since then I have received nothing but swift and attentive care.
Following the initial endoscopy and scans, plus other tests, I was seen by specialists, and a plan was devised for me. Within months I had started my treatment. The process was proactive and inclusive throughout.
Thanks to the professionalism of my hospital team, and the way they care for me as a person, I remain positive and hope for a successful outcome.
Martin Webster
St Neots, Cambridgeshire
SIR – My recent experience of the NHS has been the antithesis of Linda Bilby's.
Last week I was contacted by my NHS dental practice. My annual checkup next month (booked in March last year) had been cancelled. I was told that my dentist was only working two days a week on NHS patients, and the next available appointment was in November.
The following day I received a letter from my NHS surgery, advising me that 'the practice has recently received a communication that gives your address outside our practice boundary and as a result we will be unable to continue to provide a medical service'. I have rechecked, and find that my village still lies within the boundary area. In any case, I was still able to collect my prescription from the practice last week.
Strangely, my wife, who resides with me at the same address, has received no such communication.
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