HEAD and neck cancer sufferers in Ipswich finally have some good news today.

HEAD and neck cancer sufferers in Ipswich finally have some good news today.

Despite the controversial decision to move the specialist surgery from Ipswich Hospital to Norwich, which was widely opposed by patients, the Heath Road site is continuing to treat the cancer before and after surgery.

And now Ipswich Hospital staff and patients have set up a support group where people affected by the condition can share their difficulties and triumphs.

The group will meet every other month in the lecture theatre at the hospital's Post Graduate Centre.

Amanda Ford, a Macmillan radiotherapy specialist radiographer at the hospital, said: “The group meetings provide an opportunity for patients and carers to meet others in a similar situation.

“I've been working here for almost eight years and have found that a lot more people live through this condition than the public perception - it's helpful for them to be able to share tips and advice.”

Each meeting will host a guest speaker chosen by the patients, followed by a discussion.

The meetings have been given funding by the Somerhsam Ward Support Group and Macmillan Cancer Support.

The first meeting is on Monday, November 3, from 7pm to 9.30pm. The speaker will be Mr Anjan Shah, an Oral And Maxillofacial surgeon, talking about how and why patients should look after their teeth and mouths.

Do you have head or neck cancer? Are you pleased the support group has been set up? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich IP4 1AN or e-mail eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk.