Group Delighted At National Policy On Herceptin

10 November 2008

For immediate release

The New Zealand Breast Cancer Foundation
Delighted at National Party policy on Herceptin Funding

The New Zealand Breast Cancer Foundation is delighted with the decision of Prime Minister elect, John Key to extend funding of a full 12 month course of Herceptin for women with early stage HER2 positive breast cancer.

The newly-designated Minister of Health, Tony Ryall has said that the national government will make Herceptin available outside the PHARMAC process, making money available through the Ministry of Heath to get a 12 month course funded.
Dr Belinda Scott, breast surgeon and Chair of The New Zealand Breast Cancer Foundation’s Medical Advisory Committee, says that the new government’s aim to have the extended Herceptin funding in place before Christmas is to be applauded.

“The bulk of scientific data overwhelmingly supports a 12 month course of Herceptin for those breast cancers for which it is effective. This is fantastic news for women with early stage HER2 positive breast cancer, their families and the New Zealand community,” she says.

The New Zealand Breast Cancer Foundation will continue to support and review all new data on Herceptin and other drug treatments as the information becomes available.

ends

© Scoop Media