TRUST ME, I'm a surgeon!

Professionals like William Thomson, of Glasgow, and our own breast cancer surgeons in Lancashire should have our faith and trust and be above reproach.

Mr Thomson, however, discredited himself once and for all when he removed a woman's healthy breast, wrongly diagnosing cancer and was found guilty of serious professional misconduct. He failed to complete the triple assessment process, with disastrous consequences.

As someone who has had breast surgery in three Lancashire hospitals -- Blackburn Royal Infirmary, Accrington Victoria and The Christie hospital, Manchester and has spoken to hundreds of victims of breast cancer as a result of working with a breast care group and a breast cancer research charity over the last eight years, I can honestly say I have never heard of this situation happening in Lancashire.

Women must have confidence in their surgeon and if they have any reservations whatsoever, they must seek a second opinion. They should be as informed as possible themselves, as information is the key to overcoming anxiety about their health.

As for Mr Thomson, he might not have been struck off from practising, but what woman is going to believe his diagnosis in the future?

Thank God for Lancashire surgeons!

RUTH LOFT (Mrs), Ryburn Avenue, Blackburn.