Join our campaign to have ribociclib and palbociclib subsidised in Australia

Hi everybody, hereunder is my "Lending  Voice" to getting these drugs on the PBS.  I have sent it to Greg Hunt, Federal Health Minister and local member, Andrew Giles of Scullin in Melbourne.  So much to be done to change how we get drugs to those who need them.  Our system let's us down.

 

Lending my Voice to Campaign for new Breast Cancer drugs Kisqali and Ibrance

 

I had the privilege of being part of the BCNA representation in the Senate Enquiry into availability of New, Innovative and Specialist Cancer Drugs in Australia in February 2015.   As a cancer survivor I told my story. I had run out of options, so my husband and I decided to pay for drug Kadcyla through Roche Compassionate Program and crossed our fingers that it would not take too long to go on the PBS as paying for this drug was not financially sustainable.  Fortunately, the government listed this drug in May 2015.  It took 4 years of campaigning before it was finally made available on the PBS. 

 

I am a cancer survivor, I am not privy to the machinations of government policy but from where I sit and what I have seen and read, I believe fundamental reform on the way cancer drugs are currently funded is needed which could take time.  So an interim solution must be found now so people can get access to drugs when needed.   People with cancer don’t have time to wait for drugs to come onto the PBS.  From my perspective it seems that very little has changed from when I, with many others, campaigned for something to be done and said so in front of a Senate Committee in February 2015.  I understand a report with recommendations has been written, but has anything been implemented.   Why do America and European countries get drugs 2 years before we can?    The Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme has not adapted sufficiently to the changes in technologies, particularly targeted therapies. 

 

I have had cancer for 12 years and firmly believe that “new” antibody treatments, firstly Herceptin and now Kadcyla have been my silver bullets.  Conventional approach to cancers is that one regime of treatment fits all is antiquated, cruel and unnecessary.  Living with cancer affects a person physically, emotionally, and mentally.  It can interfere with everyday activities.  For many years I felt I was on a tightrope having many different regimes of drugs to manage my disease with many side effects.   Kadcyla has been a revelation!  I feel that I have some control in my life as my disease is stable and I have less side effects.  Administration of the drug is also less invasive, with only one infusion taking less than an hour whereas other medications took several hours.  

New targeted medical technologies allow people to have a relative normal life.  Targeted treatments can give quality of life, enabling cancer survivors to remain part of mainstream society, continue to work and be a contributor to society.  

 

My sentiments outlined to the Senate Committee in February 2015 mirror those of people who are living with cancer and desperately need CDK inhibitors Ribociclib (Kisqali) and Palbociclib (Ibrance). 

 

Australian cancer patients need, expect and deserve timely access to the latest cancer drugs under a system that is fair, equitable and in a sustainable way. 

 

I am living proof that treatment can be used to control the cancer, help relieve symptoms, and allow you to live longer.   It’s normal to feel sad when you find out that the cancer cannot be cured but there’s a good chance you can live a long time with cancer with a drug such as Kadcyla.    CDK inhibitors Ribociclib (Kisqali) and Palbociclib (Ibrance) will do the same for others. 

I count my blessings that I am still here enjoying life with my family and friends.  I want this for other people who need life-changing treatment as I have had. 

If you value what I have said and your office would like to discuss further, I can be contacted via .................

 Yours faithfully,

Cancer Survivor for 12 years

 Email sent to:

The Hon. Greg Hunt – Federal Health Minister

The Hon. Andrew Giles – Federal Member of Parliament - Scullin