Why add to the agony of cancer patients?

WE were among at least 7,000 people who took part in a protest march (organised by Mary McGreal and six other cancer survivors) against removing the breast cancer and other cancer services from Mayo General Hospital in Castlebar.

It was both an exhilarating and a depressing time. We were exhilarated by the energy of 7,000 people marching for their right to cancer care services in Mayo and not have to travel 100-to-200 miles back and forth to Galway.

We were depressed at knowing how the Government works — or does not work. They say they are following a European model of equal treatment for all. Well, this is Ireland, and here in the west especially all things are far from equal — just consider the bad roads and lack of public transport from Mayo to Galway. Why make it difficult for sick people to receive the treatment they are entitled to?

Just imagine cancer patients having to travel for two or three hours, wait around indefinitely for some treatment that makes them sick and then return to their cars for the long journey home only to resume the same procedure next day. The cancer might not kill them, but the journey could well do so. There are many people alive today because of the excellent care they have received from consultants and staff at Mayo General. Why change?

Carmel Carroll Kevin Devitte

Mill Street

Westport

Co Mayo