Cash boost to fight cancer.

Byline: Greg Tindle Health Correspondent

LOTTERY cash is being pumped into three cancer projects aimed at helping patients across South Wales.

More than pounds 600,000 has been awarded by the Lottery's New Opportunities Fund for schemes to drive forward the battle against the disease.

The money from the fund's ``Living with Cancer'' programme will go to cancer prevention, detection, treatment and care.

Velindre Hospital in Whitchurch, Cardiff, has been awarded pounds 300,498 to make it easier for medical teams all around Wales to collect and analyse information about their patients with cancer.

Dr Fergus Macbeth, consultant oncologist in Cardiff and head of the hospital's Cancer Information Project Board, said: ``This will undoubtedly improve the available technology and give our important project added momentum.''

Assembly Minister for Health Jane Hutt said: ``This is wonderful news for all those affected by cancer in South Wales.

``Money going to these projects will make a huge difference to improving the prevention of cancer, to the speed of initial detection and to the care needed for the patients and families if diagnosed.

``The programme was created to improve access to screening and treatment, provide equipment, promote awareness of cancer prevention and help individuals and families cope with the impact of cancer on their lives by supporting care for those with cancer.''

New Opportunity Fund board member for Wales Tom Davies said: ``The money being invested in cancer services will protect patients' health by raising awareness of risks as well as improving early detection and diagnosis. ``It will also provide practical support and advice for those with cancer and their families.''