Where to outsmart this killer

THERE are still wild regional variations in cancer survival rates in the NHS, new figures show.

Victims of stomach cancer in London stand a 22.4% chance of surviving beyond five years.

Yet in Durham, Darlington and Teesside it is only 12.1%.

The rate for oesophagal cancer in East Anglia is 14.8% – but just 8.4% in Hertfordshire and the South Midlands.

Brummies with prostate cancer have an 85.4% chance compared with 68.3% in South Yorkshire.

And lung cancer patients in Merseyside are twice as likely to pull through as anywhere else.

Experts last night slammed the disparities, which emerged from figures covering 2005-2007 from the Government’s own Office of National Statistics.

Katherine Murphy, of the Patients Association, said: “In spite of a national strategy for cancer care and advances in treatments it appears patients experience a postcode lottery.

“For those with cancer this could mean a difference between life and death.

“It’s vital to ensure cancer patients receive care that is safe, of high quality and maintains their dignity at all times irrespective of where they live.” eyes – but because they were around the edges they did not affect his vision.

Mason had one main tumour in his left eye as well as smaller cancer cells that could develop into a tumour.

Both boys had the growths removed by lasers.

But Thomas had a large tumour in the centre of his eye which was too big for laser treatment or chemotherapy.

So his right eye was removed – which doctors believe will lead to his left one turning into a “super-eye”.

Leslie, of Edmonton, Alberta, said: “You know, we have prayed for a miracle and a miracle did happen.

“All babies have at least one really good eye. Prayers truly are being answered.”

Isla and Grace’s family have been supported by the Childhood Eye Cancer Trust. For more information see the website www.chect.org.uk.