I HAVE recently been diagnosed with prostate cancer and am about to commence radiotherapy at Poole Hospital.
I had been encouraged by an article from the Daily Mail regarding focused radiotherapy, a new therapy where tiny gold beads are placed into the prostate before radiotherapy treatment, to guide doctors and help them target the tumour accurately.
The article was very positive as it appears this treatment considerably reduces the side effects and can reduce the number of radiotherapy sessions required.
Unfortunately, the local NHS foundation trust has decided not to fund this treatment despite, it appears, the clinical specialists being keen to us it.
This is very disappointing to know that local cancer sufferers are being denied what is obviously a significantly improved treatment.
The foundation trust is clearly lagging behind the 30-plus other foundation trusts already offering this treatment.
It is very sad that a postcode lottery can affect what treatments are available to patients.
NAME & ADDRESS SUPPLIED
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel