A TORFAEN woman who was denied benefits while suffering from breast cancer has joined a charity's push to stop other cancer victims having the same problems.

Barbara Jackson, of South Street, Sebastopol, has told her story to help Macmillan Cancer Relief's campaign for better benefits' information for cancer sufferers.

Barbara, a member of South Gwent Breast Cancer Support Group, was diagnosed with breast cancer in February 2000 but has now been given the all clear.

She said: "I was self employed at the time, working with my husband at Sebastapol Post Office. I wasn't eligible for statutory sick pay, so I approached the Benefits Agency for Incapacity Benefit.

"Having completed the application forms and obtained the relevant sick notes from my GP, I heard nothing.

"When I contacted them, I was told that I was not entitled to benefit as I had insufficient contributions. I couldn't believe it.

"I was told that for one of the two years they'd looked at to assess my claim, I was £5 short of the qualifying amount and there was no room for negotiation.

"When I involved my MP, Paul Murphy the Benefits Agency eventually agreed to pay the Incapacity Benefit, but only on receipt of a payment of £15 from me and if I agreed to forfeit six weeks of the benefit.

"This did nothing to aid my recovery. It actually put three months on my illness because I tried to go back to work but after half a day, I had to go home and couldn't return for three months.

"Being diagnosed with cancer is devastating. Going from a healthy individual to someone who can't work or even dress themselves, is something I can't describe.

"Having to fight for what's rightfully yours shouldn't be part of the process and I feel very strongly that cancer patients should be given fair play when it comes to benefits."

The cost of not working can easily run into thousands of pounds, and money worries can even be more stressful than the cancer itself, the charity said.

Macmillan Cancer Relief's Better Deal campaign hopes to raise awareness of the help available to cancer patients and wants the government to provide easier access to benefits. For details call the campaign hotline on 0800 500 800.