The drug – Kadcyla – which extends the lives of women who are dying from an aggressive form of breast cancer, has been rejected for widespread use on the NHS after health experts ruled it was not worth the money.

Ms Baillie (pictured), who is promoting Breast Cancer Awareness this month, told the Reporter: “The Scottish Government must really think again about how we ensure women with breast cancer get these life prolonging drugs.” Kadcyla has been hailed as the ‘best drug in a generation’ for women with HER-2 positive breast cancer. It has been shown to keep patients alive for an average of six months longer than the treatments already available, while also improving quality of life.

Ms Baillie, a former shadow health minister, added: “This is very disappointing news for patients and their families. Finding out one of your loved ones’ has cancer is one of the hardest things a family can go through and many people will have been hoping for this drug to be approved.

“Although some women will still have the opportunity to access Kadycla through their health board, this will only benefit a handful of women. So the chance of actually getting the drug will be very rare.” The drug costs £90,000 for a 14-month course, and the Scottish Medicines Consortium (SMC) has refused to let doctors prescribe it, saying it does not believe it offers value for money – a position blasted by cancer charities. Nicolas White, Head of Breast Cancer Care Scotland, said: “This devastating blow comes at the worst time; today is Secondary Breast Cancer Awareness Day, the one day of the year dedicated to the priorities and needs of secondary breast cancer patients who’s cancer cannot be cured.

“Breast Cancer Care Scotland welcomes the introduction of the new Scottish Medicines Consortium process which takes into account the views of patients and clinicians. Although a powerful case from these groups was put forward to support the use of Kadcyla, this decision means women with secondary breast cancer have been denied hope of the longer and more fulfilling life this drug can deliver.” Ms Baillie has joined the fight against breast cancer by taking part in Breast Cancer Campaign’s fundraiser, Wear It Pink Day.

On Friday October 24 people across the country will come together to find fun ways to wear pink in the office, at home or at school. Donations raised by this year’s event will fund lifesaving breast cancer research.

The Labour MSP added: “Every year in Scotland more than 4,500 women are diagnosed with breast cancer. Sadly, more than 1,000 women die from this disease each year. This is why we need to support Breast Cancer Campaign’s fundraising efforts to support world-class breast cancer research that gives people in Dumbarton and the Vale of Leven quicker diagnoses and more effective treatments. I hope you’ll all join me by wearing it pink and showing your support for breast cancer research.” For more information visit www.wearitpink.org.