TREATMENT for cancer patients in East Lancashire looks set to be extended.

Chemotherapy for lung and haemotological cancers is already being carried out at hospitals in Blackburn and Burnley to prevent patients having to travel to Preston.

Now a joint group made up of the health authority, East Lancashire health trusts and Preston Cancer Centre has agreed a recommendaton for the treatment of other cancers to be carried out in the area.

Under the latest proposals, Blackburn would offer chemotherapy for colorectal cancers -- a service which could be up and running by October.

The proposal would also see Burnley's existing treatment of breast cancer patients extended to cover residents of Blackburn, Hyndburn and Ribble Valley later this year.

The plans are now being reviewed in detail by Blackburn and Burnley trusts.

The development of specialist cancer clinics in East Lancashire was unveiled earlier this year as part of a major shake-up aimed at improving services.

General specialists from the Christie and Preston have been visiting Burnley and Blackburn for some time but from last month more staff have been coming to the area to hold clinics each Tuesday and Thursday at Burnley and Tuesday and Friday at Blackburn.

The Christie will continue to take cases involving unusual and rare cancers.