Cancer sufferers were given a huge boost this week following the news of a special £50 million fund for drug treatments, announced by Health Secretary Andrew Lansley. From next month, regional panels, lead by expert clinicians will respond to requests to fund cancer drugs which have not been funded locally. And the news was welcomed by West Worcestershire MP Harriett Baldwin who said it should improve the chances of local people get the best possible cancer drug treatments. She said: “The Government has taken this huge step to find funds for cancer drug treatments which may not have been previously available. “I am particularly pleased that local experts will be consulted to make sure cancer sufferers get access to the right treatments.” The £50 million fund will be rolled out from October 1 bringing fresh hope to patients across the country. Harriett added: “I have had a number of people contact me to ask for guidance about how to get access to cancer treatments which the NHS says it can’t afford. At last I am able to give them some good news and hopefully a better chance of beating cancer.”