THE Breast Awareness Campaign has rightly stimulated interest in the early detection of this disease. Nevertheless I have recently been told of someone who has a "lump" and is deferring seeking diagnosis, presumably because of fear, both of examination and diagnosis.

I would like to tell anyone who is in this position of my recent experience. On Thursday September 16 I discovered a lump in my breast. On Friday September 17 I went to the ever efficient Rawcliffe Clinic, Bellcombe Way. By 3.45pm I had been examined, and referred to the "one-stop" clinic at York Hospital. A phone call and an appointment came through on Monday September 20. On Wednesday at 9am I entered the system. Examination by Mr Marcy Jones, X-rays, mammogram and finally the welcome news that my "lump" was non-malignant.

Could private care have offered more? I strongly doubt it.

I wish to thank everyone concerned with my treatment during these worrying few days - I am deeply grateful for the care I received.

I would urge anyone who's worried to use the superb facilities available in York - you will be treated as a human being not just a number.

Mrs N Heather,

Clifton Place, York.

Updated: 09:16 Friday, October 08, 2004