THE word cancer still strikes fear into the hearts of most people. And the discovery of a lump can feel like a death sentence.

So it is important that the time spent between the discovery of a lump, or some other indication that cancer might be present, and the visit to a hospital consultant, is kept as short as possible.

If it is cancer, the patient can acknowledge it and it can be dealt with quickly.

If it is not, a delay means terrible and unnecessary heartache for patient and family.

The unique fear that cancer still instills is why the government has set a two-week deadline between the time the family doctor contacts the specialist and the time the patient has an appointment.

This is far shorter than the target for other possible conditions, where patients are not supposed to wait more than 13 weeks to see a consultant.

Not only that, but all possible cancer patients considered as urgent must see the consultant within the two weeks. For other conditions hospitals are not told they must achieve 100 per cent.

South Bucks NHS Trust recognises the uniqueness of cancer and so does Bucks Health Authority, both of which considered reports last week on the fact that hospitals were failing to meet targets. and both of which are taking action to get back to 100 per cent. And the trust has taken the unusual action of cancelling leave for some consultants.

South Bucks NHS Trust is the worst in the county for breaches of the two-week target. That is not acceptable and the trust knows it.

As the spokesman said: "Two weeks means two weeks and we have to achieve it."