The Cancer Society is welcoming news of funding for two new cancer drugs, but says delays have had huge costs for patients and their families.
A slow negotiating process has meant some have died, while others have mortgaged their homes or spent their savings to get access to the drugs.
One of the medicines, known as Kadcyla, is currently costing breast cancer sufferers at least $9,000 a month.
Chris Jackson is medical director of the Cancer Society.
He talks to Susie Ferguson.
