A mother fighting a terminal illness has been refused access to a potentially life-saving drug that could have given her more time to spend with her daughter before her prom. Jess Duggan, aged 44, is advocating for the availability of the drug on the NHS to provide crucial additional moments for terminally ill mothers to cherish with their children. She emphasized the urgency of the situation, urging drug companies and government officials to intervene.
Despite being free in Scotland and multiple European countries, the Enhertu drug, which could have extended Jess’s life, is inaccessible to her and many other women battling breast cancer in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Jess, a mother of two from Lewes, East Sussex, expressed her distress over the denial of this treatment option, stating that she fears having only a few weeks left to live and desperately desires more time with her family, particularly to witness her daughter’s upcoming prom.
Having been diagnosed with breast cancer in 2017 and undergoing extensive treatments, Jess enjoyed six years of cancer-free life before a recurrence in 2023. The news of the cancer spreading to her lymphatic system, bones, and lungs shattered her hopes. Despite trying various treatments, including chemotherapy and immunotherapy, her condition worsened, with the disease progressing to her brain and liver recently.
Advocating for the availability of Enhertu, Jess highlighted the dire need for access to the drug, emphasizing that it could have significantly altered her current situation and provided her with valuable time with her children. Breast Cancer Now is pushing for immediate action following changes in NHS drug spending limits, aiming to secure approval for Enhertu, which could benefit numerous individuals battling metastatic breast cancer.
Expressing frustration over the unavailability of the drug, Jess questioned the value placed on people’s lives and stressed the importance of timely access to life-extending treatments. Breast Cancer Now’s CEO, Claire Rowney, echoed the urgency of making Enhertu accessible to those in need, emphasizing the real impact it could have on patients’ lives. The charity’s campaign, “Enhertu Now,” has garnered significant support, with over 53,000 signatures urging swift action from pharmaceutical companies and healthcare authorities to ensure timely access to this vital treatment option.
