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Brexit affecting cancer treatment

(26 Posts)
LaCrepescule Mon 21-Apr-25 06:39:18

Anyone still think Brexit was a good idea? Cancer patients are sufferers are suffering:
www.theguardian.com/science/2025/apr/20/nhs-cancer-patients-denied-life-saving-drugs-due-to-brexit-costs-report-finds

LaCrepescule Mon 21-Apr-25 06:41:42

Sorry for typo!

argymargy Mon 21-Apr-25 07:52:07

Well in some ways I’m not surprised but this article hasn’t managed to produce a single actual example of a drug that is not available, or cite an actual price rise of any drug due to Brexit. It’s all a bit vague - one would have to go & read the report I suppose. Fairly lazy journalism and unashamedly political. I don’t read The Guardian any more and really don’t feel I’ve missed out!

Whiff Mon 21-Apr-25 07:54:27

Not effected cancer treatment or any other treatments in my healthcare area.

argymargy Mon 21-Apr-25 07:55:59

How can you possibly know that @Whiff?

joannapiano Mon 21-Apr-25 12:14:13

During the first Lockdown ,DH was having chemo for Stage 4 cancer. The oncologist stopped his treatment after just 5 cycles because of the risk of him contracting COVID in the hospital. Should have been at least 12 cycles.
Luckily he is still in remission.

Allira Mon 21-Apr-25 12:39:26

A leaked report

Which report?
What statistics?
Which senior doctors?
Which officials?

Without any facts to back it up, this is sensational, fearmongering journalism at its worst.

Nandalot Mon 21-Apr-25 13:55:42

Allira,
The new report was compiled by experts from organisations including Cancer Research UK, the University of Southampton, and Hatch, a research consultancy and cites evidence from leading scientists, researchers and clinicians.
This is a quote from
www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/brexit-nhs-cancer-starmer-labour-b2736412.html

Allira Mon 21-Apr-25 14:50:27

That still has no link to the report which has not yet been published.

The Independent refers to The leaked report, revealed by The Guardian

I await facts and statistics not speculation.

Whitewavemark2 Mon 21-Apr-25 15:15:25

The report was commissioned by Cancer Research, Southampton University and Hatch - a research consultancy.

Oreo Mon 21-Apr-25 15:19:00

From what I can make out it’s about being able to get onto ‘trials’ of new drugs, not that anyone in the UK is being denied treatments which are known to work.

Whitewavemark2 Mon 21-Apr-25 15:21:21

Quite frankly I would be surprised if the report wasn’t correct.

It has long been warned by the BMJ and other institutions of the danger of this precise situation post Brexit.

However, I suspect that the closer ties with Europe may well see this unfortunate predicament resolved.

I believe that there is a summit in May that will help towards this.

Allira Mon 21-Apr-25 17:07:04

Oreo

From what I can make out it’s about being able to get onto ‘trials’ of new drugs, not that anyone in the UK is being denied treatments which are known to work.

I do remember years ago when NICE denied new, trialled, treatments to cancer patients and the medical profession was very angry and protested.

That was way before Brexit.

Georgesgran Mon 21-Apr-25 17:11:38

My DH continued all his cancer treatments - face to face appointment snd chemo throughout Covid joanap.

Whiff Mon 21-Apr-25 17:21:55

Because I have friends and know how quickly they got seen and how quickly members of their support groups at the various hospitals got seen and got treatment plus follow up support and how long they would still have treatment in the following years both men and women and various ages.

Teazel2 Mon 21-Apr-25 18:42:18

argymargy

Well in some ways I’m not surprised but this article hasn’t managed to produce a single actual example of a drug that is not available, or cite an actual price rise of any drug due to Brexit. It’s all a bit vague - one would have to go & read the report I suppose. Fairly lazy journalism and unashamedly political. I don’t read The Guardian any more and really don’t feel I’ve missed out!

The Guardian is very pro the EU I believe, very skewed articles.

Carlotta Mon 21-Apr-25 19:31:30

Wouldn't believe anything the Graunian said; it thrives on exaggerating and spreading doom and gloom. I'll wait for the official report to be published before judging.

Carlotta Mon 21-Apr-25 19:35:58

Seems it's a global problem, not just the UK and has been a problem for several years.

Recent shortages of essential cancer drugs have made the headlines in high-income countries like the USA, where it is estimated that over 90% of hospital systems have experienced shortages of chemotherapy drugs in 2023. But this crisis has been an ongoing reality for cancer patients living in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) for years - and that is something that cannot be lost in the conversation, especially now that this issue has reached public attention.

petra Mon 21-Apr-25 19:58:39

Oh dear, Carlotta you’ve burst a few bubbles there.
Not what some wanted to read 😉

Allira Mon 21-Apr-25 20:01:07

Seems it's a global problem, not just the UK and has been a problem for several years.

Yes, it is true and well known.

Mollygo Mon 21-Apr-25 20:18:04

Trump’s actions have also the potential to worsen the situation.
These restrictions could result in a knock-on effect in delays to cancer research funding and testing of important drugs for cancer treatment.

Casdon Mon 21-Apr-25 20:27:00

This is from a year ago.
www.europeancancer.org/resources/news/uk-falling-behind-europe-in-the-fight-against-cancer.html
Until we see the detail of the new report it’s easy to suggest poor or exaggerated journalism by the Guardian. My guess is that in this instance they are reporting the facts.

Allira Mon 21-Apr-25 20:29:28

They should not report it until it can be verified as fact.

Posters accuse the Daily Mail of sensationalism and scaremongering but the Guardian is no better.

Carlotta Mon 21-Apr-25 20:29:38

I think MollyGo's point is spot on actually; tariffs etc...

Casdon Mon 21-Apr-25 20:39:54

Allira

They should not report it until it can be verified as fact.

Posters accuse the Daily Mail of sensationalism and scaremongering but the Guardian is no better.

I doubt that is the case here Allira. It’s not a palatable piece of journalism in that this isn’t information any of us want to hear, but that doesn’t mean it’s badly researched, untrue or sensationalised. Regardless, there will be full details of the report when it’s published - and no doubt the Guardian will be admonished if they have it wrong in citing Brexit as a/the reason.