British government to tackle variations across the country in the uptake of cancer drugs

The British government has set out plans to tackle the 'postcode lottery' over access to treatment including cancer drugs.

A report by the National Cancer Director, Professor Mike Richards, shows unacceptably high variations across the country in the uptake of cancer drugs approved by the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE).

NICE makes recommendations on treatments and care using the best available evidence.

Health Secretary John Reid said there has been major progress in fighting cancer with a ten per cent in premature death rates since 1996.

"But I recognise there is more to do and there are areas where our services are not as good as they should be. Mike Richards' report today highlights one area where we need to act - and I am determined to ensure patients across the country have access to drugs which can help them."

Mr Reid said that the government was today setting out detailed plans for ensuring that recommendations from NICE are adopted by the NHS across the country.

He added that the local NHS will be asked to set out their plans for improvement in the areas highlighted in Professor Richards' report.

"The steps we are announcing today mean we will have better access to prescribing information much more quickly than planned.

"I am confident we will be able to use this data to improve the uptake of these important drugs, while ensuring clinicians retain the final say in the treatment of individual patients."