Private Vs NHS treatment

  • 2 replies
  • 81 subscribers
  • 233 views

Hello everyone,   

My lovely mum was diagnosed with lung cancer last year and had surgery earlier this year, which was initially successful.  Unfortunately, she has been feeling unwell and is currently awaiting a biopsy on thickened tissue in her lung.  Surgery won't be an option this time and her health has declined over the last month or so.  I am wondering whether there will be additional options for suitable treatment privately.  She doesn't have health cover but we would pay.  I am conflicted because I always understood cancer treatment to be better overall on the NHS.  Does anyone have any experience or advice? Thank you.

  • Hi Lou,

    The NHS negotiates the cost of treatments down. While they are bargaining there are treatments that are awaiting approval by NHS and are already being used outside the NHS.

    For example, when I was diagnosed Keytruda was not yet approved by the NHS but because I had insurance I was able to go onto Keytruda straight away. Also, because I went Private I was able to continue Keytruda beyond the 2-year NHS limit.

    It's worth mentioning that the best route to private treatment is via your existing consultant or doctor, because they will already have all the information needed. Also be aware that there are lots of unscrupulous folk out there ready to take advantage of the desperate - stay with the doctors you already know.

    Hoping all the best for your mum,
    kind regards
    Steve

  • Thank you so much for the reply Steve. 

    That makes perfect sense and that is what I was wondering about when I asked the question. I will ask my mum to ask her consultant to also consider if there are suitable treatment options that aren't yet approved for NHS that could be an option for her and take it from there. 

    Thanks again for your response and the warm wishes for my mum - wishing you all the best also.  

    Kind regards,

    Louise