Cross-Border differences

MORE than 100 Scots have been denied cancer drugs that are available to patients in England, leading to concerns about a cross-Border divide in access to therapy.

The Rare Cancer Foundation says there are now at least 20 cancer medicines not routinely available in Scotland, but which are funded through the Cancer Drugs Fund south of the Border.

Mike Gray, 53, of Buckie, Moray, died of cancer in April 2008 after fighting for cetuximab and other treatments. However, the Scottish Medicines Consortium has now approved Mepact, which available on prescription on the NHS to treat young bone cancer sufferers.