PENDLE MP Andrew Stephenson has backed a call for the Government to bring about a new focus on breast cancer, and introduce two effective new drugs on the NHS.

The Tory backbencher joined more than 70 Parliamentary colleagues at a reception hosted by Breakthrough Breast Cancer, at the House of Commons.

The charity is calling on ministers to bring about a new focus on breast cancer, with a priority on introducing effective new treatments.

Earlier this year Breakthrough expressed disappointment that two effective new drugs, everolimus (also known as Afinitor), and pertuzumab (also known as Perjeta) were rejected by the National Institute of Clinical Excellence on cost grounds.

Mr Stephenson said: “Breast cancer is not yesterday’s problem. Thousands of women in the UK are living with a diagnosis of secondary breast cancer, with incredibly limited treatment options.

“Research is developing treatments that can give women at the end of their lives more good-quality time with their loved ones. We have a responsibility to ensure there is a system that allows these pioneering new drugs to routinely reach patients who will benefit from them.

“I’ll be writing to the Prime Minister to urge him to take the lead on this issue.”