I can’t get the treatment for secondary breast cancer my doctor recommends on the NHS, what should I do?

Some treatments for secondary breast cancer are not widely available across the country.  Even if your doctor thinks you should be prescribed either Avastin or lapatinib, you might find that in your area you are not able to have the treatment on the NHS.  If this is the case you can appeal to your local PCT for this treatment. You will need to follow the procedures they set, which are different for every PCT. It may also be possible to pay for the treatment privately (called ‘co-payment’). You can do this by paying for treatment yourself or through an existing insurance policy.

For more information visit NHS Choices information on access to new treatments.