CANCER sufferers from Chorley are being helped to understand more about their disease following the publication a groundbreaking book - which has been endorsed by an international opera star.

Understanding Leukaemia And Related Cancers is the work of Dr Tariq Mughal, consultant haematologist and medical oncologist at Royal Preston Hospital and John Goldman, professor of leukaemia biology at the Imperial College of Medicine.

Some of the proceeds from the sale of the book - which Dr Mughal believes is the first of its kind specifically written for patients and their families - will go to the charity which supports the neighbouring Preston Cancer Unit, the Lancashire and Lakeland Cancer Foundation.

The book looks at leukaemia and other blood cancers

Top opera singer Jose Carreras, successfully treated for leukaemia himself, wrote the foreword in which he comments: "Undoubtedly, the diagnosis of blood cancer irrevocably changes the lifestyle of the patient as well as the whole family.

"The diagnosis often carries an undercurrent of dread and even terror, largely because of the general public's perception of these diseases.

"Reading this book should facilitate a better understanding and help patients to improve their chances of a cure - knowing what lies ahead at each moment is an important source of encouragement."

The book is written specifically for patients and provides detailed and clear information about the disease and treatments available.

Dr Mughal also works at the Christie Hospital, Manchester, and is an honorary senior lecturer at the University of Manchester.

He said: "We believe that most patients will benefit from understanding not only what is being done but also why it is being done.

"We have to walk a narrow path avoiding confusing medical jargon and on the other hand over-simplification.

"We have endeavoured not to sacrifice scientific accuracy for clarity or vice-versa."

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