INTRODUCTION

  The Castleford and District Cancer Self Help Group was set up in 1985 as a direct result of my diagnosis of cancer.

  Its aim was and still is to help restore quality of life for the people in the Wakefield District after their diagnosis of cancer in the hope that by doing so the quality of life for the people that care for them will also be improved.

  My involvement with the group over the last 16 years as the founder member holding positions of Chair, Secretary, fund raiser and most important a cancer patient has I believe provided me with a vast amount of experience gained from cancer patients, carers, and nursing professionals.

PONTEFRACT AND DISTRICT COMMUNITY HEALTH COUNCIL

  The knowledge and once again experience gained over the last eight years as a member, Vice Chair and Chair of the Pontefract and District Community Health Council has confirmed what I already knew about the shortfall and disparity of cancer services here in West Yorkshire in comparison with other areas and countries. I am also of the opinion that because of my involvement on cancer strategy groups I have been instrumental in improving cancer services in the Wakefield District.

  Improving transport services taking cancer patients to outlying hospitals for chemotherapy and radiotherapy, attempting to implement the Calman Hine report on cancer services are but a few.

NATIONAL CONFERENCE OF CANCER SELF-HELP GROUPS

  My involvement as Chair, Treasurer and active member on the organising committee of this conference since 1985 has introduced me to hundreds of cancer patients, carers and health professionals from all over this country and abroad (approximately 350 a year since 1985).

  Many with horrific stories to tell about their diagnosis and treatment (or lack of it).

PRINCE OF WALES HOSPICE—(PONTEFRACT)

  I have for the last 10 years worked as a volunteer in The Prince of Wales Hospice here in Pontefract working very closely with people who have been diagnosed with cancer, many of whom required palliative care.

CANCERLINK

  My term of office with Cancerlink as a cancer group representative outlining many problems facing cancer patients and their carers in this country, either through lack of research or resources, inspires me to endorse and reiterate their response to your committee.

OVERVIEW

  If you are sincere in taking a fresh look at the way research into cancer is being implemented in this country you must as a matter of urgency include cancer patients and carers with the research and the decision making at all levels. (Not as a tokenistic gesture).

  Adequate resources must be found for training to ensure that they feel competent in report taking and in understanding the jargon.

  Whilst not wishing to undermine the research and progress that has been made in this country into breast cancer, it appears that resources for research into men's cancers (ie prostate and testicular) is seriously lacking.

  As an ex-cancer patient and Secretary of the Castleford and District Cancer Self Help Group, I offer myself with my vast experience, to be used by your Committee as you deem fit in the hope that we can try and redress the balance that appears to have taken place over the years, please feel free to call upon me at any time.

June 2000