Petitions call for Avastin coverage

The Nova Scotia government is once again being urgedto coverthe cancer drug Avastin.

Madeline Bolivar, 71, got herfriends to godoor-to-door inLunenburg Countyto collect signatures after her son paid $18,000 for hisdrug treatments.

The money is running out, she told reporters Thursday as she brought her 3,679-namepetition to Province House.

Denyse Hockley, 21, also presented her petition with3,300 names on it.

Avastin is not a cure for colorectal cancer, but it extends the lives of some patients in the late stages of the disease by stopping the blood supply to cancerous tumours.

Lawyer Jim Connorspays$35,000 a year for the costly drug, but he's fighting for those who can't afford it.

"In my view, this is the worst of two-tier health care. If you are financially well off and you can afford this drug you will probably live longer. If you don't have the financial means, you will probably die sooner," Connors said.

The province has refused to fund Avastin, which itestimateswould cost $3.6 million a year.

A 23-member drug therapy committee has recommended twice that Avastin be excluded, based on the cost and potential of other drugs in early cancer stages.

Health Minister Chris d'Entremont said Thursday he doesn't plan on reversing his decision.

He was presented with a petition from Hockley in June.

Only Newfoundland and Labrador, British Columbia and Quebec fund Avastin.