A mother with terminal illness laments losing friends prematurely due to the Government’s delay in approving a life-prolonging drug. Sophie Blake, 53, of Brighton, is battling incurable stage four breast cancer.
She expresses heartbreak over the denial of access to the innovative drug Enhertu, leading to the loss of two close friends who could have benefited from additional time. Despite availability globally, the drug is not accessible to women with HER2-low stage 4 secondary breast cancer in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, as it was not endorsed by the NHS, depriving individuals of potential extra months of life.
“I have witnessed the loss of friends who urgently required this treatment,” Sophie shared. “The recent passing of a fellow advocate and dear friend, a mother who could have extended her time with her children, is devastating and disgraceful. Another friend, aged 39 with a five-year-old, also succumbed. Women are facing premature deaths due to this decision.”
Diagnosed in May 2022 with secondary breast cancer that has spread extensively, Sophie, the mother of 18-year-old Maya Nicholls-Blake, underscores the constant anxiety of living with the disease despite temporary dormancy through targeted treatment.
The absence of the drug has shattered hope for Sophie and other women in the region, contrasting with global access. The rejection by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) in 2024 cited cost inefficiency, prompting Breast Cancer Now’s plea for change with a significant petition.
Sophie emphasized the urgency for advanced treatments, noting the downgrade of metastatic breast cancer’s severity without consulting oncologists, diverting crucial funds. The fear that pharmaceutical companies may cease seeking NICE approvals due to financial constraints poses a lethal threat to women’s lives.
The situation has left oncologists astounded, particularly as metastatic breast cancer remains a leading cause of death among women aged 35-64 in the UK. The limited treatment options lead many to seek trial medications, intensifying the fight for access to proper care.
Amidst advocating for treatments and navigating a complex healthcare system, Sophie stresses the importance of cherishing moments with loved ones over constant battles for survival. The rejection of Enhertu by NICE due to pricing disputes has further compounded the struggle for essential medications, leaving many women in uncertainty and despair.