Some patients have to take cancer drugs for up to ten years

Breast Cancer Care is calling on the Scottish Executive to scrap prescription charges for patients who need them as part of cancer treatment.

The charity found that 39% of women surveyed faced financial difficulties after paying prescription charges.

A further 13% said they had not taken the drugs because of the issue of cost.

No-one should ever be forced to pay prescription charges for what may be life-saving treatment Lorraine Dallas Head of Breast Cancer Care Scotland 'I'm penalised for having cancer'

The call came as the executive ends its consultation on who should pay for prescriptions.

While people with some medical conditions do not pay prescription charges, others suffering from diseases like cancer and multiple sclerosis are not exempt.

Medical advances have meant many patients now take cancer drugs for up to 10 years.

However, the list of conditions that are exempt has not changed since 1968.

The charity found the annual cost of prescriptions for breast cancer patients could range from �90 a year to hundreds of pounds, particularly for those having to take a number of drugs over a long period of time.

'Enormous strain'

Lorraine Dallas, head of Breast Cancer Care Scotland, said more people than ever were now surviving cancer.

"However, more than 3,500 people are newly diagnosed with breast cancer in Scotland every year and can expect long-term treatment which comes at a price," she added.

"Prescription charges, on top of all the added costs that can come with cancer - extra child-care, hospital travel, special dietary supplements - can place enormous strain on individuals and families.

"The executive must put an end to the financial hardships faced by breast cancer patients.

"No-one should ever be forced to pay prescription charges for what may be life-saving treatment."