IT is with dismay that I, and indeed many more in Bolton and Wigan, learn from some statistical organisation that our chances of living are one in three when suffering from bowel cancer.

Instead of the disturbance this news generates, perhaps it would be more relevant if they addressed their views to those responsible for effecting a substantial improvement in survival rates.

Here in Bolton - the Royal Bolton Hospital - there is a surgeon who is frankly second to none, viz Mr Ferguson. He tells you exactly as he sees it, and you welcome his experience, not merely in his performance in removing all relevant affected areas where the cancer has been involved, but also his assessment of the results of the operation.

Thereafter, and in conjunction with many reports to the BEN in recent months, you are in the hands of the "girls" - the nurses (my Ward F5), who are above comparison - second to none throughout this country.

The subsequent treatment - chemotherapy - puts you in the care of Chris and Janice (the chemo ladies).

You would be hard-pressed to find more dedicated people anywhere throughout this land where the treatment and advice could be better.

So the references to "one star" Bolton is a poor assessment of the patients' views, and it is after all the patient who is in the best position to decide. It may well be that the one criticism is more than matched by the 20 who are entirely grateful.

But the bottom line to the statisticians is "tell those responsible of effective improvements and keep your mouths shut on our chances of survival and leave the fight to those involved."

BD,

Astley Bridge

Bolton