A PRESTON cancer consultant's ground-breaking book has won the endorsement of international opera star Jose Carreras.

Dr Tariq Mughal, an oncologist at Royal Preston Hospital, wrote Understanding Leukaemia and Related Cancers to help sufferers and their families understand diseases of the blood.

Jose Carreras, successfully treated for leukaemia himself, has written the foreword to the book in which he says: "Undoubtedly, the diagnosis of blood cancer irrevocably changes the lifestyle of the patient as well as the whole family.

"The diagnosis often carries an undercurrent of dread and even terror, largely because of the general public's perception of these diseases.

"Reading this book should facilitate a better understanding and help patients to improve their chances of a cure - knowing what lies ahead at each moment is an important source of encouragement."

The book is written specifically for patients and provides detailed and clear information about the disease and treatments available.

Dr Mughal also works at the Christie Hospital in Manchester and is an honorary senior lecturer at the University of Manchester.

He said: "We believe that most patients will benefit from understanding not only what is being done but also why it is being done.

"We have to walk a narrow path avoiding confusing medical jargon and on the other hand over-simplification."

Dr Mughal is pictured with patient Andrew Bradbury - one of a team of motorway police officers and civilian staff who rowed down the Ribble to raise £3,500 for the Preston Cancer Unit.

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