LOCAL Breast Surgeon turned MP, Dr Phillipa Whitford, has hit at the rejection of proposed legislation that could help thousands of women with Breast Cancer.

The Off Patent Drugs Bill was rejected Friday, November 6 and was described as a 'missed opportunity' by Leading Charity Breast Cancer Now.

It would have addressed the problem of drugs that are no longer under patent, but have since proved to have other clinical uses outside.

MP Whitford said: “As a breast cancer surgeon, I've seen at first hand the devastating impact cancer can have one women and their families.

“This Bill would have ensured that patients in Scotland and the rest of the UK, can access cheap but extremely effective treatments which could help prevent the disease spreading or even occurring in the first place, so I am determined to do all I can do to ensure it becomes law.”

The act would have improved access to two types of breast cancer drug; one which can significantly reduce the risk of breast cancer developing and one which can significantly reduce the risk of breast cancer spreading to the bones when it becomes incurable.