Statement from Breast Cancer Care.

Comment on Mike Tomlinson and Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust’s calls for a debate over the availability of advanced trial cancer drugs.

Maria Leadbeater, Clinical Nurse Specialist Secondary Breast Cancer, at Breast Cancer Care, said:

“Breast Cancer Care supports a national debate that would lead to improved drug availability and a more efficient licensing process once positive clinical trial data is reported.

“From talking to people on our helpline, and through the work of our Secondary Breast Cancer Taskforce, the evidence is that many breast cancer patients are keen to gain access to new treatments which have yet to be licensed.

“Clinical trials are now a routine part of cancer care and lead to important advancements in cancer treatments.

“However, when data is released from trials prior to a licensing application, lack of access to these treatments can cause great anxiety for patients.

“Breast Cancer Care regularly represents patients in the NICE and Scottish Medicines Consortium drug appraisal processes. We are keen to work with these organisations to ensure that patients have timely access to new drugs appropriate to their needs.”

Ends

Anyone with breast cancer or breast health concerns should contact Breast Cancer Care’s helpline (0808 800 6000) or visit www.breastcancercare.org.uk

For further media information, please contact

Ian Manley

Press Officer

020 7960 3450

ianm@breastcancercare.org.uk

Notes to editors:

Breast Cancer Care has been working for over 30 years to make a difference in the lives of people affected by breast cancer. We provide accurate, easy to understand information as well as practical and emotional support. We are the only charity working across the UK to provide these services. Every year we reach over one million people through our website, helpline, publications, person to person support and health promoting activities, all of which are offered free. We are committed to campaigning for better treatment and support for people with breast cancer and their families.

Ian Manley

National and regional press and PR officer

Breast Cancer Care

Tel: 0207 960 3450

Email: ianm@breastcancercare.org.uk

Website: www.breastcancercare.org.uk