The Breast Cancer Book is the book Val Sampson looked for in vain when she was first diagnosed with breast cancer. Based on her own experience, that of other breast cancer patients and also on interviews with experts in the field, it looks as the conventional treatments of surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy as well as the part which can be played by complementary treatments such as reflexology, meditation and spiritual healing.

The book sets out to give emotional help and support in coping with the fear and sense of loneliness that often comes with a diagnosis of breast cancer, a condition that will affect one in ten women in her lifetime. There are sections on how to get support from people around you, how to look good and feel better and 20 things to try if you are feeling low.

Val is a freelance journalist who has written for The Times, the Daily Mail. Woman and You magazine. Her co-author is Debbie Fenlon who was Val's breast care nurse when she was first diagnosed.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and this book is being hailed as essential reading for anyone wanting to know more about breast cancer. Published by Vermilion, it costs £9.99 from all good bookshops.

We have got one copy to give away. Just send a postcard with your name and address to: On the bookshelf/Breast Cancer, Woman, c/o Tracie Beardsley, Southern Daily Echo, Test Lane, Redbridge, Southampton, SO16 9JX.