Oncologist says Nova Scotia's cancer coverage is inadequate

A Nova Scotia oncologist says hehas patients who can't afford to pay for the cancer medications that might save their livesdespite years of lobbying the province for more coverage.

QEII oncologist Dr. Bruce Colwell belongs to the CanCertainty Coalition, a national advocacy group pushing for accessible and affordable oral cancer medications that are taken at home.

The coalitionfirst asked the Nova Scotia government in 2014to pay for cancer medications taken outside of hospitals.

While the provincepays for cancer medications givenintravenously in a hospital, itdoes not cover cancer medicine taken orally at home.

Health depends on wealth

"With our health-care system, there are differences for health care depending on whether you have money or not," Colwell said.

Ontario and the Atlantic provinces are the only ones that do not cover oral cancer medications.

Colwellsaid some patients go into debt or seek handouts to pay for medications, while others forgo treatment.

"I've had patients who have second mortgaged homes, borrowed from family, gone online and had a GoFundMe[fundraiser]," he said. "I've also had patients who've said, 'I justcan't afford it.'"

• Nova Scotia agreed to look at the issue in 2014

Colwell said he met with Health Minister Leo Glavine in December and CanCertainty will meet with him again in June.

Nova Scotia's decision not to cover oral cancer medications is "arbitrary," he said.

"Aprovince like Saskatchewan, which is about the same size as we are, they fund it all."

Province wants national response

The Department of Health and Wellness sent a statement to CBC saying the province understands some patients "may be experiencing financial hardships."

Spokesperson Tracy Barron said the province continues to examine the issue and to push for a national pharmacare program.

She said premiers agreed at the last Council of Atlantic Premiers' meetingto explore new ways to work together to collaborate on issues related to drug plan coverage. Thatwork is now being developed, said Barron.