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
