AN Otley woman is seeking to raise the profile of a lesser known cancer - after falling victim to it herself.

Mavis Procter was first diagnosed with kidney cancer at the end of 1997.

She had a kidney removed four years ago, but is now back undergoing treatment at St James's Hospital, Leeds, after developing secondary cancer in her lungs.

But Mrs Procter, who is market controller at the hugely popular weekly WI Markets at Otley Civic Centre, is optimistic and is keen to raise awareness of one of the country's fastest growing cancers.

"I've been lucky that we found the kidney cancer when we did and now I want to raise awareness of it and talk to other people," she said.

Mrs Procter developed a pain in her groin in 1997 and was treated for a kidney infection by her doctor. But then she became very tired and went back to the doctor, who initially thought she might be developing diabetes.

"I was just so tired all the time. I'd be in the kitchen doing my baking and would have to stop, leave all my cakes in the oven and go and have a sleep," she said.

Luckily, her doctor was aware of the small percentage of patients who were actually suffering from kidney cancer but showing similar symptoms, and arranged for more tests.

The cancer was diagnosed and in January, 1998, Mrs Procter had a kidney removed.

Now, she is back having treatment after developing secondary renal cancer. But she is still market controller and looking forward to the first market of the year - tomorrow (Sept 6) from 9.30am at Otley Civic Centre.

"I've had to stop baking, I used to bake for two days every week and I can't do that anymore, but I still make my jams and marmalades," she said.

As part of national Kidney Cancer Awareness Week, from September 23 to September 29, she is holding a coffee morning and is offering to talk to groups, societies and organisations.

"To date, there has been little public awareness of kidney cancer and it has often been regarded as a rare form of cancer. But the reality is very different, the incidence of kidney cancer in this country has risen by a startling 68 per cent over the last 20 years," she said.

Kidney Cancer UK is the only support group in the country dedicated to the needs of those with kidney cancer, their families and carers.

According to Cancer Research UK, it is now the eighth most common cancer in men and the 14th most common in women.

Kidney Cancer UK director Mike Renshaw, said: "When I was first diagnosed, I had never heard of kidney cancer. Finding out about Kidney Cancer UK was truly like being thrown a lifeline and our aim in organising this week is to raise the profile of kidney cancer and to reassure those affected that they do not have to cope alone."

Mrs Procter will be holding her coffee morning in aid of Kidney Cancer UK on Saturday, September 28 from 10am to 11.30am at Otley Civic Centre. She is willing to give talks on kidney cancer and can be contacted on (01943) 462371 or at urbangranny@BTinternet.com