Mark Watson, a head and neck surgeon at Doncaster Royal Infirmary, has thrown his full support behind the charity's latest appeal as someone who has seen the benefits of their work from up close and in incredible detail.

DRI became one of the first hospitals in the country to be granted a Flexible Digital Laryngoscopy System when the pioneering scanning equipment was introduced to the Nose, Ear and Throat Outpatient Clinic in 2005 - thanks to a £50,000 grant from the DCDT.

And the 49-year-old surgeon, who has a special interest in head and neck cancers as well as voice disorders, says the technology is making a huge difference to both the detection and curing of cancer throughout the borough.

"It's the difference between watching an old video cassette and the latest HD technology," he said, comparing the system to previous machines.

"And the great thing about it is that not only can I see the voice box and vocal cords, but the patient can see what is going on too.

"If there is anything that looks suspicious we can see our way around with undreamt of clarity. It's made a huge difference.

"Not only can I see things better but it helps us to treat people with specific disorders, make accurate diagnoses and we can also help patients with lung cancer."

Consisting of an endoscope fitted with a miniscule television camera on its tip and monitor upon which crystal clear images can be viewed, the sheer excellence of the machinery is keeping Mr Watson and his team very busy.

"Every time I'm in clinic I'm using it and we can often do 30 examinations a week," he said.

"During the first week of using this equipment we had one chap who had been under treatment for some time. It was very clear he had a tumour and we were able to make the diagnosis. He had to go through big surgery but he is now alive and well."

Mr Watson, who has worked at DRI since 1992, told the Free Press that cancer can be cured at a rate of 95 per cent - if the tumour is detected at the earliest stage.

But should malignant cells be identified and patients move on to laser therapy, treatment with the Laryngoscopy System does not stop there as follow up scans become a necessary part of the rehabilitation process.

"I'd been trying for five years to get this equipment - getting money together for projects like this has become increasingly difficult for hospitals," he said.

"We've almost become reliant on organisations like the DCDT to update services to a modern standard.

"It's been most helpful," he added. "The active members have been so supportive and I wish them every success with this year's appeal."

DRI remains a national centre for the detection of head and throat cancers - although Mr Watson admitted we were playing catch up in this country.

He said: "To put things into perspective I visited America recently for a conference and a speech therapist over there had access to five systems like this.

"Here we are content just to have one in a hospital - equipment levels in the UK have always flagged behind."

Anybody who suffers from hoarseness for more than six weeks is urged to see their GP - particularly if they are male, over 45 years of age and smoke.

According to Mr Watson 95 per cent of throat cancers are linked to smoking.

But thanks to an NHS support group, free and confidential help is on hand for people in the area attempting to quit the habit.

Doncaster Smokefree run day-time and evening sessions and can accommodate shift workers on an individual basis.

"The message is very clear," said Mr Watson. "If you don't want to get cancer of the throat don't smoke."

For more information about Doncaster Smokefree call 01302 640064 or contact your GP surgery.