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Macmillan and Cancerbackup merged in 2008. Together we provide free, high quality information for people affected by cancer through our publications, website and phone service. Find out more|.
Find out how we produce our information|
This information has been written to help people in England who feel they would benefit from a treatment or drug that isn’t routinely funded by their Primary Care Trust (PCT).
PCTs are the part of the NHS responsible for delivering local health services along with the hospital trusts in their area. In Scotland they are called local health boards.
It can be difficult to know what to do if a drug or treatment, which you think would help control your cancer isn't available to you.
To begin with, it's important to talk to your cancer specialist. You can then both decide if it really is the best treatment for you.
This will depend on different things such as the type of cancer| you have, its stage, any other treatments you've had, whether there are any other treatments that might be suitable and what the side effects of this particular treatment are likely to be.
If you want to apply to your local PCT for a treatment you'll need to follow the procedures they set. These are different for every PCT. Some have leaflets or information on their websites explaining what you should do. Your specialist will also explain the local process to you.
Some people may consider other options, such as paying for drugs| or treatments that they can't get on the NHS.
For answers, support or just a chat, call the Macmillan Support Line free (Monday to Friday, 9am-8pm)
If you have any questions about cancer, need support or just want someone to talk to, ask Macmillan.