Preventative tamoxifen

Hello,

Ive been part of the BCAN Ray study and been identified as having a higher risk of breast cancer. I have to have yearly mammograms and been prescribed tamoxifen for 5 years as a preventative. I collected my first pack of it and the chemist said I could fill a form in as I don’t have to pay. I said that it was preventative and I don’t actually have cancer and they said that I will still get it free. I filled an exemption form in and several days later, the GP phoned me and said that I’d have to pay as I don’t actually have cancer. Is this correct? 

  • Hello and thank you for your post,

    Unfortunately, it sounds like you will need to pay if you are living in England.

    Only people who are undergoing treatment for cancer, the effects of cancer, and the effects of cancer treatment are exempt. You can read more about NHS medical exemption certificates on the NHS website.

    Please feel free to get back to us if you need any more information or support.  You may find it helpful to talk things through with one of the nurses on our helpline.  The number to call is Freephone 0808 800 4040 and the lines are open from 9am till 5pm Monday to Friday.

    Take care,

    Jemma