Factors affecting access to treatment of early breast cancer: Case studies from Brazil, Canada, Italy, Spain and UK: Implications for future research, policy and practice

Abstract

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How Can the EU Beating Cancer Plan Help in Tackling Lung Cancer, Colorectal Cancer, Breast Cancer and Melanoma?

“…In some regions, staff in individual hospitals decide whether to invest in a nationally approved drug. This regional investment in treatment can lead to delays in the availability of new treatment options between regions [ 25 , 26 ].…”

“…Detection rates at stage I or II range widely—from 36.3% to 88.0%, and regional differences in numbers of skilled radiographers and radiologists lead to varying wait times between diagnosis and treatment. Innovative funding mechanisms are required to promptly improve access to efficacious anticancer medications at a sustainable cost [ 26 , 96 ].…”

“…However, it is easier for hospitals to get reimbursement for procedures and pharmaceuticals when they conform to national guidelines. Healthcare infrastructure needs updating to ensure timely treatment following clinical guidelines and reduce wait times during treatment [ 26 , 97 ].…”

“…Nevertheless, there is regional variation in the implementation of the national screening strategy for early detection and treatment availability because drug budgets are regional—the main challenges to policymaking and accessing treatment for early BC and a brake on uptake of innovation. There are no national guidelines for treating early BC, but medical society guidelines exist [ 26 , 98 ].…”

Pertuzumab in Combination with Trastuzumab and Docetaxel in the Neoadjuvant Treatment for HER2-Positive Breast Cancer

“…[ 34 ] Implementation is difficult because this also depends on patient education and regulatory national issues, and although this is not a current practice in most institutions, this Portuguese cancer center is focused on delivering such solutions, which may also contribute to higher-quality healthcare. [ 35 ]…”