I read with great sadness the article (Cancer missed by doctors, February 7) regarding Mrs Eileen Vahey. This lady seems to be a "victim" of our caring NHS, where at most GP appointments are 10 minutes, you are rarely seen on time, and the doctor assumes what your lifestyle is.

If you do describe your symptoms, many doctors do not go into your medical history or don’t listen. 

We all trust our doctors but you know your body better than anyone else. It’s no good saying they are sorry now, that is not good enough, it should never have happened in the first place. Whoever is responsible should not just be given a warning but struck off the medical register. They may serve as a warning to other GPs.

There have been numerous adverts on the TV regarding the symptoms Mrs Vahey had urging you to go to a doctor. She did, and look what happened.

This lady has a family, children and grandchildren. My sympathy goes out to her and her family.

Anne Rutledge
Sutton