Mia Rosenblatt, Associate Director of Policy and Influencing at Breast Cancer Now, said:
“We are very concerned that often there can be significant delays in access to the best medicines for breast cancer patients.
"For women with secondary incurable breast cancer, drugs are the cornerstone of their treatment and could mean extra months, or even years, to live well and spend time with their loved ones. They do not have time to wait.
“That’s why we are joining forces with this panel of cancer experts to call for the fundamental changes needed, to ensure that the way new cancer drugs are made available is fit for the future.
"Urgent action must now be taken to ensure that exciting scientific advances reach the patients that so desperately need them, when they need them, and at an affordable price for the NHS.
“While we have seen a number of new breast cancer medicines recommended for use on the NHS over the past few years, there have been avoidable delays in decision-making. This causes unnecessary anxiety for patients waiting for the hope these drugs can bring.
"It’s so important that we have a sustainable system in place moving forward.
"We urge NHS England, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, and the pharmaceutical industry to work together - and with patient organisations - to seize the important opportunities we present in these recommendations.”