GAZETTE & HERALD: CHIPPENHAM breast cancer sufferers Nina Rack and June Nelson joined 50 women from across the country to voice their concerns about cancer care to health minister John Reid.

The women, who run the Chippenham Breast Cancer Support Group, discussed issues they would like the next Government to address at last month's meeting in London.

Also at the event the first ever Breast Cancer Conversation were Conservative health spokesman Andrew Lansley and the Lib Dem's Paul Burstow.

Mrs Rack, of Chevral Close, and Mrs Nelson, who lives at Kempton Park Court, both said they found the event incredibly empowering and it gave them a real chance to discuss the issues that affect so many women with breast cancer.

Mrs Rack beat breast cancer in 1983 and 1995 but was diagnosed for a third time last November. She is currently undergoing chemotherapy at Bath's Royal United Hospital where she also works for the Forever Friends Appeal.

Mrs Nelson found out she had breast cancer after a routine check in 1999. She had a lumpectomy and is now fully recovered.

They were invited to take part in the discussion through their work as grass roots campaigners for Britain's leading breast cancer charity Breakthrough Breast Cancer.

As members of the charity's campaign and advocacy network, the women met the politicians in the run up to the general election.

Top of their list of concerns were the lengthy waiting times some women experience waiting for diagnosis and radiotherapy treatment.

They also brought up the issue of access to annual screening for all women aged 40 to 49 with a significant family history of breast cancer and the shortage of NHS specialists, especially breast radiologists and radiographers.

The women are now looking forward to meeting North Wiltshire MP James Gray, who will be attending Monday's meeting of the Chippenham Breast Cancer Support Group.

Anyone affected by breast cancer is welcome to attend the meeting at the Pheasant Pub on Bath Road at 6.30pm.