Dr Jackie Blue
National Party Associate Health Spokeswoman (Pharmacare)

Aussie rules with Herceptin decision

“I am delighted for Australian women following their country'sdecision to fund Herceptin for women with early-stage breast cancer," says Dr Jackie Blue, National's Associate Health spokeswoman responsible for Pharmacare.

"As it is, New Zealand’s breast cancer mortality data is almost 30% worse than Australia’s and unless we can match this decision, the gap will only continue to widen,” says Dr Blue, a former breast physician.

"In April, Parliament's Health Select Committee heard submissions representing the views of 45 cancer experts.

They all supported full funding of Herceptin for early-stage Her2 breast cancer.

"More than a dozen countries have approved funding for Herceptin and more are expected to follow.

There is nothing controversial about these decisions – they were made with all the facts.

"Pharmac assessed new data last week and I’m hopeful that when its decision is announced shortly, it will have reached the same conclusion.”

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