It is shameful that here in the UK the survival rates for cancer patients are reported to be among the lowest in Europe.

Although pleased by the news that the Royal Sussex County Hospital in Brighton will be improved, hospitals in West Sussex must also remain open and viable to cater for the large population of Sussex.

One step forward in the aftercare of cancer patients would be to have all individuals screened for the first five years after the initial all-clear.

I was shocked to discover this did not happen automatically back in 2010.

From my own family’s experience, I feel that a mere blood test is not good enough.

An X-ray is required to detect any secondary cancer.

In this way, any new primary will be also be detected at an early stage.

Had my late father been scanned after 24 months, and again after 36 months, he may well have lived to see Andy Murray win Wimbledon last year.

Certain services must not be cut – the NHS is one of them.

S Zapello, Portslade