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?