The Cancer Drug Fund was introduced by the Coalition government in October 2010 to provide funding for cancer drugs that NICE does not approve as a cost-effective use of NHS resources.
Ministers rejected claims that the fund would undermine NICE’s role in appraising the cost effectiveness of drugs.
Since then, the fund has provided treatment for over 18,000 patients.
In late August, the DH released the latest figures on how the fund had been used across the country. These cover the period from October 2010 to June 2012.
Then care services minister Paul Burstow said: 'Cancer patients, no matter where they live should have access to the drugs their doctors recommend, which is why we introduced the Cancer Drugs Fund. By publishing this data, patients can see how the fund is being used in their area and across the country.'
The figures show some parts of the country have received almost four times as much of the funds per head of the population as other regions.
Funding for 2012/13 is allocated to SHAs using the national weighted capitation formula, which takes account of factors such as population demographics and additional need.
