Wairarapa Cancer Society manager Anna Cardno has summed up a Government decision to fund the breast cancer drug Herceptin as a "great Christmas present". Prime Minister John Key yesterday announced the Government would extend from nine weeks to a year funding for the drug, through the Health Ministry, rather than drug-fundingagency Pharmac. The Government will also back-date reimbursement for women who have paid for their own Herceptin to November 19, and those who have recently finished a shortened course will be offered access to further funded treatments. The decision was a bout turn on the controversial August resolution by Pharmac, who refused to extend funding to a year from the 9-week status quo. Ms Cardno said the Cancer Society welcomed any move by the Government to provide treatment that improves a patient's quality and extent of life. "Not all breast cancers respond to Herceptin treatment but for those that are affected by Her-2 positive early breast cancer it is a great Christmas present from the new Government. "Evidence based research provides the link to standards of practice and care, but access to the most appropriate treatments is often constrained by funding issues. "Certainly, the provision of full Herceptin treatment is exciting and we look forward to this government providing the mechanisms for this to happen." Wairarapa breast cancer battler Sharilyn Buddell was also rapt.Earlier this year the Wairarapa community raised $70,000 in just seven weeks for the full course of Herceptin treatment for Mrs Buddell, who will have her last treatment on December 29. "I think it's great. It will mean women won't have to spend time raising the money for Herceptin." Libby Burgess, chairwoman of the Breast Cancer Aotearoa Coalition, said the decision came as a "huge relief" for the women of New Zealand. "It is wonderful that the Government has acted so quickly, alleviating the stress and anxiety of women whose best chance of long term survival depends on receiving this clinically proven treatment."
