Non-curative chemotherapy for cancer--is it worth it?

only modest prolongation of survival and limited improvements in the quality of life. So is it worth giving non-curative treatment for cancer? Delay in diagnosis, poor communication and support, inequalities in treatment and inadequate funding have contributed to poor survival figures for cancer in the UK. However, there has now been an unprecedented increase in financial support, with an increase of 30% over four years in cancer health care expenditure, to be spent on augmenting the workforce and cancer treatments. Among other laudable aims, the cancer plan aims to reduce the economic and professional inequalities between regions in the UK, and to establish a system of treatment appraisal by an independent body (NICE). By summer 2002, it is hoped to end the lottery in the availability of cancer treatments. Health authorites will need to ensure funding for all approved drugs. New cancer treatments – will they make a difference?