Sir,
I am an independent researcher currently working on a project for a major national charity, Macmillan Cancer Relief. The purpose of the research is to try to establish the extent of problems faced by people in Neath Port Talbot, Swansea, Carmarthenshire, Pembrokeshire, Ceredigion and Powys, who are coping with cancers.
This work will be used to advise Macmillan Cancer Relief, NHS Trusts and Local Health Boards on how best to develop adult cancer services for service users and their carers with emphasis on getting the patients and public involved in health care matters.
I believe that an essential part of this work is to talk to as many people as possible about their experiences. I need to know, for example, whether people are given enough support; whether they are given all the information they want/need; or whether the people feel that more needs to be included.
It would be very helpful if some of your readers are prepared to talk to me about their experiences of cancers. I would be happy to talk to people on the telephone. Any contacts will of course be treated in the strictest confidence.
If anyone would like to help in this important work, they can contact me at the address below or 'phone on 01792 607356.
Gareth Popham,
Macmillan Project Manager,
South West Wales
Cancer Network,
c/o Business Services Centre,
36 Orchard Street,
Swansea.