SEVERAL years ago a work colleague told me that two years previously she had discovered a breast lump.

She was a woman in her 30s and a mother to three young children.

Within the space of 10 days she had consulted her GP, had a biopsy and undergone major surgery.

She felt that the rapid diagnosis and prompt treatment played a great part in her survival.

My friend lived a further 30 years, leading a full and interesting life and seeing her children and grandchildren grow up.

We read in the newspapers that in Britain the cancer survival rates are rather poor in comparison to other European countries. Perhaps it is necessary to carry out tests and scans quicker.

PAMELA TREADWELL, Dodgson Road, Cowley