Macmillan Cancer Support statement responding to postcode lottery accusation by Rarer Cancer Forum

Rachel Rowson, Policy Manager at Macmillan Cancer Support, said:

'The Rarer Cancer Forum is completely right to highlight the maze that cancer patients are faced with when a treatment, recommended by their doctor, is denied by their Primary Care Trust (PCT). We know from people calling our helpline how distressing this can be and how utterly in the dark they are about their rights.

'We have long been calling for PCTs to make their exceptional funding process more transparent so that patients know how they can contest decisions. Currently there is a postcode lottery on exceptional funding as PCT's processes vary widely across the UK. We are heartened that the draft NHS Constitution seems to address this issue and includes proposals for guidance that will make PCTs responsible for informing patients as to why they have made their decision.

'It is vital that this process is clear and transparent as people are already in a vulnerable situation when they are trying to access treatments. Macmillan will be responding to the consultation to ensure these important proposals are not watered down. People affected by cancer can find out what to do if their treatment is not funded on our website www.cancerbackup.org.uk'

- ENDS -