Living with a high risk of recurrence after early breast cancer can be a daunting experience. However, the Australian government is taking steps to provide expanded treatment options for those in need. Under the new initiative, subsidies will be provided for abemaciclib (Verzenio) treatment, allowing more Australians to access this life-saving medication.
Natalie Fraser, a 54-year-old woman, knows firsthand the importance of this expanded treatment. After being diagnosed with breast cancer in 2019, she underwent surgery and received the all-clear. But two years later, she received devastating news – the cancer had returned to her lymph nodes. This time, the battle was tougher.
Following surgery to remove her lymph nodes, Natalie endured months of chemotherapy, radiation treatment, and hormone-blocking therapy. She considers herself fortunate to have access to these treatments, which were provided free of charge as part of her compassionate care. Despite being cancer-free at the moment, Natalie knows that the risk of recurrence is high. That’s why she believes it’s crucial for women like her to have access to new treatments that can help prevent the cancer from returning.
One such treatment is Verzenio, an oral medication that blocks specific proteins inside cancer cells, preventing their spread. Previously, only patients with advanced cancer that had spread beyond the breast could receive this treatment through the pharmaceutical benefit scheme. However, with the government’s new subsidies, more Australians with early-stage breast cancer at high risk of recurrence will be eligible for this life-saving medication.
According to Professor Fran Boyle, an oncologist at North Sydney Mater Hospital, one in eight women with early breast cancer is classified as high risk. These women are three times more likely to have their cancer return as incurable advanced cancer. With expanded access to Verzenio, these patients will have a better chance of receiving more intensive treatment and reducing the risk of recurrence.
The government subsidy will significantly reduce the financial burden for eligible patients. Instead of paying over $100,000 for the two-year course of treatment, they will only have to pay $1 per day for the medication. This makes the treatment much more affordable and accessible for those who need it most.
The Australian government is committed to providing the latest and most advanced treatment options at an affordable price for every patient. They understand the impact that a breast cancer diagnosis can have on a person’s life and are dedicated to supporting those in need. With an estimated 20,500 Australian women expected to be diagnosed with breast cancer by 2024, these expanded treatment options are more important than ever.
In conclusion, the Australian government’s decision to provide subsidies for abemaciclib (Verzenio) treatment is a significant step forward in the fight against breast cancer. By expanding access to this life-saving medication, more Australians living with a high risk of recurrence will have the opportunity to receive intensive treatment and reduce their chances of developing incurable advanced cancer. This initiative not only improves the quality of life for patients like Natalie Fraser but also sends a powerful message that affordable and advanced healthcare is a priority for the government.