Barbara Clark is being treated with Herceptin in Bristol

Barbara Clark, 49, was diagnosed with breast cancer but, because it was not a terminal illness, she was told she could not have the treatment.

Ms Clark, from Bridgwater, Somerset, said before the treatment: "I'm quite nervous but am very relieved.

"There's a chance I could get heart problems so I'm quite nervous."

Herceptin is widely used on patients whose breast cancer is at an advanced stage, or those who are terminally ill.

Tests have shown it can greatly extend sufferers' life expectancy, but it has yet to be approved for use on women in the early stages of the illness.

Ms Clark will stay in hospital in Bristol on Friday following the treatment.