No waiting

You reported (4 January) that death rates from cancer of the gullet have risen by almost half over the past 40 years.

In November, 2006, I was diagnosed with this form of cancer. I had two sessions of chemotherapy and had the operation in March 2007. At that time I was given months to live. Thanks to my GP, surgeons and staff at Edinburgh Royal Infirmary, I am still here. To anyone suffering from this disease, acid reflux or difficulty in swallowing, it is imperative you visit your doctor immediately. Speed is essential. Diagnosis of this is not a death sentence.

Alex Burgon

Hawick