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Concern over reduced access to cancer drugs

Cancer charities have warned of uncertainty over future access to life-extending drugs when a dedicated fund ends next year.

Cancer charities have warned of uncertainty over future access to life-extending drugs when a dedicated fund ends next year.

The government's £650 million Cancer Drugs Fund, designed to make it easier for clinicians to prescribe treatment(even if not approved by NICE) has paid for treatment for 28,000 patients in England since 2010, but it will end in 2014. Campaigners have called for clarity about what will replace it.

The DH said it would 'make sure arrangements were in place' to replace the fund.