A new appeal is launched today which will take Aire-dale's cancer-fighting technology into the next century.

The cancer support group, based at Airedale Hospital, is bidding to raise £12,000 for a portable scanner. The hi-tech machine will give a huge boost to the 500-or-so people a year scanned for prostate and bladder cancers. Waiting lists will be chopped, and scan results will be known the same day.

The service will provide a one-stop assessment clinic, alleviating the need for patients to attend several appointments.

Consultant urologist Nick Shaikh says the new technology represents a major step forward. He told us: "People will be scanned there and then and will get results immediately. It will also free the X-ray department to see more patients. It will make the service much more efficient. The £12,000 cost will be money well spent."

Currently around 200 prostate cancers are diagnosed every year in Airedale.

Ian Hutchinson, chairman of the cancer support group, says the organisation is delighted to be supporting the new project.

He adds: "Many people tend to associate our group's activities just with breast cancer, but our field is much wider than that. The Keighley public has been absolutely fantastic in the way it has supported our previous appeals, and we are extremely grateful. This new machine will make a huge difference to the service provided by the urology department, and we would ask people once again to show their generosity."

Fundraising events are planned, including a craft fair at Skipton town hall on Saturday, April 25.

Anyone wishing to support the appeal - or to make a donation - should contact Kathryn Dyer, Airedale Cancer Support Group, Airedale Hospital, Steeton BD20 6TD. To publicise fundraising events, contact Alistair Shand in our newsroom (606611 ext 251).

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