How can I determine whether a drug is funded by the BC Cancer Agency (BCCA)?
The BCCA funds drugs that are used to actively treat cancer. The BCCA does not fund drugs that are used for supportive care purposes e.g. antiemetics, antibiotics, analgesics. To determine whether a drug is covered by the BCCA, please refer to the BCCA Benefit Drug List, located on the BCCA website. This document lists those drugs and their approved indications for use that are funded by the BC Cancer Agency and defines the three categories of coverage (Class I, Class II and case-by-case approved undesignated indications). The BCCA Benefit Drug List is formatted alphabetically, for ease in finding a specific drug. The document is updated on a regular basis, so it is recommended that it be accessed from the website for referral, as opposed to printed off and stored as a hard copy. Be aware that some drugs used for active treatment of cancer, can also be used for supportive care purposes, e.g. dexamethasone for spinal cord compression or as an antiemetic; megestrol for advanced breast ca
