A LABOUR MSP has welcomed the announcement a life-saving drug for breast cancer patients has been approved for us on the NHS in Scotland.

Mary Fee, who represents East Renfrewshire and Renfrewshire as part of her West Scotland remit, said she was delighted with the decision to make Perjeta available after it was rejected three times by the Scottish Medicine Consortium (SMC). 

The announcement by the SMC will mean that more women living with such a cruel disease as breast cancer can live longer and have more time to undertake crucial treatment. For women living with incurable secondary breast cancer, the drug could extend their lives for up to 18 months.

The Labour politician has labelled the news as “a common sense decision” and “great news for women and their families”.

She has also praised the tireless work of campaigners who have long called for Perjeta to be made available on the NHS.

She said: “This is a common sense decision that has been a long time coming for women suffering from breast cancer, with many who have felt abandoned and hopeless in their fight against such a cruel disease.

“The announcement is great news for women and their families, and a victory for the tireless work of campaigners who have long called for the SMC to make the right decision for women.”