Prime Minister's question asked in the House of Commons, by Joan Ruddock (Labour). It was answered on Wednesday, 25 October 2006 on behalf of the Prime Minister.

Engagements

Question: Yesterday I was lobbied by my constituent Janine Mcdonald who had paid for her own Herceptin treatment for early stage breast cancer until our primary care trust agreed to pay. Is my right hon. Friend aware that despite the very great improvements that we have made in breast cancer treatment, there is still a postcode lottery in respect of the repayment of those funds paid by patients for Herceptin, as indeed there is for wigs and prostheses and, even more importantly, for genetic screening? Will my right hon. Friend look into the matter and endeavour to ensure that all breast cancer patients receive equal access to all treatment?

Answer: I certainly will look into the point that my hon. Friend makes. She is right to say that it is our intention to get rid of the postcode lottery in the prescription of drugs. Enormous changes have been made over the past few years in the treatment of breast cancer, which is why so many more people are able to survive it. It is important, too, that there is huge investment going into drugs and treatment throughout the national health service, but the point that my hon. Friend raises is a valid one. I am happy to look into it and contact her.

Secondary information

Type: Oral question
Reference: 450 c1515
Session: 2005-06
Oral question type: Supplementary
Chamber / Committee: House of Commons chamber
Related items: Deposited Paper DEP 06/1957
Wednesday, 8 November 2006
Deposited papers
House of Commons
Subjects: Breast cancer Medical treatments
Link: View this Prime Minister's question on www.publications.parliament.uk