Calls for Pharmac to expand access to potentially life-saving breast cancer medication

The drug Kisqali is only funded for advanced breast cancer - but a global study's found major benefits for those in earlier stages.

It's thought around 9-hundred New Zealand women living with the disease could benefit from access to the treatment.

The Breast Cancer Foundation's Mehdi Shabazpour says the study adds vital new evidence to their understanding of the drug.

He says when combined with traditional treatments like hormone therapy - Kisqali lowers the chance of the cancer coming back.

The Breast Cancer Foundation says this type of treatment is already available in Australia for earlier-stage patients.