So it seems, dear readers, that the world has a shortage of chemotherapy drugs - because big pharma is seeing a reduction in profits, and therefore not producing the drugs. Strangely, in order to keep cancer drugs from becoming too expensive, Pres. George Bush actually spearheaded the effort to put in price controls on certain drugs, including cancer drugs. As production costs rise, profits decline. The effect of this has been reduction in production by pharmaceutical companies. As reported by MSNBC, patients are now being told they must wait for treatment, with no promise that drugs will soon be available. For many, this is in fact a death sentence.
The response of fiscal conservatives/ free market folks has been to suggest removing these price controls - allowing companies to continue raising prices to insure large profits. Of course, this would mean passing costs to insurance companies, who would in turn raise premiums, passing on costs to the patient/consumer.
An MSNBC article this week highlights the plight of a Virginia lawyer suffering from colo rectal cancer. He has been told that his chemo drug is not available. This may in fact be fatal news for him. One of the drugs that enabled my own tumor to disappear, Taxol, is no longer available. Without this treatment, I might not be writing this blog.
CANCER COMMUNITY AND FRIENDS: WE NEED TO RAISE OUR VOICES!! OUR HEALTH IS BEING HELD HOSTAGE TO PROFITS. This is indeed a "death panel" for many of us! We need action immediately to save lives!I have joined the RI cancer advocacy action group, and hope to promote loud voices and protests. All creative thoughts for action welcome!! xx
Hi my sweet apopSal!
ReplyDeleteUgh! I was incensed by the news about cancer drugs that are no longer available!
Do you know about Barbara Brenner's blog -- HEALTHY BARBS http://barbarabrenner.net/?
Barbara headed up the wonderful organization Breast Cancer Action (BCA) in SF for many many years, left her post in June 2011, had been planning her departure, but didn't plan on a diagnosis of ALS, which came at the same time. She wanted to blog about health issues, which is indeed what she's doing, but now from the perspective of dealing with ALS. She's incredibly smart & will add to anyone's attempts to understand the cancer scene. I send you big hugs & kisses from Brookline & best regards as always to Ms. Beth! XO VG
and here, and facebook, and social media and in real life.
ReplyDeletebig rock, steep hill. your energy continues to lead and teach the rest of us by example
xo
Wow..... hard to imagine.. even in this insane corporatocracy we live in, that this is happening! We need to rise up. I bet the general public has no idea this is happening. Where to start? Just talking to ppl seems like a small start but I guess it's a start
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