Health and Community Services
June 17, 2014
Investing in New Cancer Treatments a Benefit to Families
New Cancer Medications Added to Prescription Drug Program
Upholding its commitment to increasing access to treatment options and improving the quality of life for cancer patients, the Provincial Government has added 11 new cancer therapies to the Newfoundland and Labrador Prescription Drug Program. The program provides cancer medication coverage to approximately 1,200 clients annually.
“Cancer is a disease that touches the lives of everyone. By investing in the best health professionals, technology, equipment and cancer medications, we are making headway in the fight against cancer and improving the lives of individuals and families impacted by this disease. I am proud that our government places such emphasis on cancer prevention and treatment, including an investment through Budget 2014 of $6.3 million for new cancer therapies.”
- The Honourable Paul Davis, Minister of Health and Community Services
Since December 2013, 11 new cancer therapies have been added to the prescription drug program for breast cancer, blood cancer, lung cancer and malignant melanoma. As well, two treatments have been added for kidney cancer, pancreatic cancer and prostate cancer in addition to a new supportive therapy for prostate cancer.
Included in the Budget 2014 investment, $4.7 million has been allocated to expand the use of the prostate cancer drug Zytiga. This expansion adds a new line of treatment earlier in the course of the disease for approximately 100 new patients annually.
“Prostate cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer in Canadian men and one in seven will develop prostate cancer during their lifetime. I am pleased that we are expanding the use of the drug Zytiga for men dealing with prostate cancer. Cancer has a profound impact on families and it is important that we provide supports to help them.”
- Minister Davis
An additional six new cancer therapies are under consideration for inclusion under the Newfoundland and Labrador Prescription Drug Program as part of the Budget 2014 investment. The pan Canadian Oncology Drug Review Committee, an expert review panel, will provide recommendations on the possible inclusion of these therapies.
Over the past decade, the Provincial Government has invested over $172 million for cancer treatment and prevention, including expansion of the breast cancer screening program to women over 40, launch of the colon cancer screening program and access to 94 cancer medications through the prescription drug program.
QUICK FACTS
- Since December 2013, 11 new cancer therapies have been added to the Newfoundland and Labrador Prescription Drug Program.
- Each year, approximately 1,200 prescription drug program clients receive coverage for 94 cancer medications.
- Budget 2014 allocated $6.3 million for new cancer therapies. Along with the new medications recently added, a further six cancer therapies are under consideration for inclusion in the prescription drug program.
- As part of Budget 2014, $4.7 million has been allocated to expand the use of the drug Zytiga which adds a new line of treatment earlier in the course of the disease for individuals dealing with prostate cancer.
- Over the past decade, over $172 million has been provided for cancer treatment and prevention initiatives.
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Media contacts:
| Heather MacLean Director of Communications Department of Health and Community Services 709-729-1377, 697-4137 heathermaclean@gov.nl.ca |
2014 06 17 12:15 p.m.