A thorn in Pharmac's side

One of the women at the forefront of the campaign to get Pharmac to increase Herceptin funding says the battle for access to treatment is ongoing.

Former Herceptin Heroine chair Anne Hayden said she is "pissed off" with Pharmac's decision.
 
"But I'm not surprised though, it's just something we've gotten used to and that's very sad when people are getting used to bad news time and time again.
 
She is frustrated that Pharmac have said their decision is not about money. 
 
"But they would maybe reconsider if Roche made a better offer?  If that's not about money, then I don't know what is," Hayden said.
 
She also said that Pharmac have stated cardiac toxicity is a concern with Herceptin treatment.
 
"They've said that for a long time, but most of us would rather be alive with a heart condition than dead, I imagine."
 
Hayden said a routinely administered breast cancer drug comes with a cardio toxicity warning.
 
"Why aren't they concerned about giving this drug to all these other women?  There's not a screech about that though because it's free."
 
Hayden said she would be interested to see what would happen in New Zealand if a wonder drug came out for prostate cancer.
 
"It would mean that men would have the same hassle as women have had with herceptin."
 
She said although she's stepped down from her role as Herceptin Heroine chairperson, as well from the Breast cancer coalition steering committee due to melanoma,  she will continue to be a thorn in Pharmac's side.

- © Fairfax NZ News