Policy & Advocacy Update - Vicki Durston - July26

📢 Policy & Advocacy Update: Medicines Access and Shaping BCNA's Future Advocacy 

Hi everyone, one of BCNA's most important advocacy priorities is ensuring people affected by breast cancer can access the treatments they need, when they need them. 💗 

I wanted to share a brief update on some of the key work happening behind the scenes. 

💉 Zoladex: Advocacy Continues 

Many of you will be aware of BCNA's ongoing advocacy regarding the planned discontinuation of the monthly 3.6mg formulation of Zoladex from 1 November 2026. 

While we've shared updates previously, we also know that for many people this news has raised very real concerns about what it means for their treatment, routine, and peace of mind. We've been hearing from community members who are worried about the personal and immediate impact of this change, and we want you to know that your concerns are being heard. 

BCNA remains actively engaged with consumers, clinicians, government and AstraZeneca to better understand the impact on patients and to advocate for practical, longer-term solutions. Our focus continues to be on continuity of care, clear communication, and ensuring treatment decisions are guided by clinical need and individual circumstances. 

If you have questions or are feeling uncertain about how these changes may affect you, please know that support is available. Our Helpline is here to listen, provide information, and connect you with appropriate resources on 1800 500 258. 

We're continuing to work behind the scenes on this issue and will keep the community informed as developments occur. Thank you to everyone who has shared their experiences and concerns—your voices play an important role in informing our advocacy. 🤝 

✅ PBS Listing for Perjeta 

There was welcome news recently with the PBS listing of Perjeta (pertuzumab) for eligible Australians with HER2-positive high-risk early breast cancer from 1 July 2026. 

This is a significant outcome that will improve access and reduce financial barriers for many Australians affected by breast cancer. 🎉 

At the same time, the Perjeta journey highlights ongoing challenges within Australia's medicines access system. Although the medicine received a positive PBAC recommendation in March 2025, patients waited more than a year for PBS funding to be confirmed. 

Perjeta, alongside issues such as Zoladex, reinforces why medicines access remains a key BCNA advocacy priority. We believe people should be able to access recommended treatments as quickly and equitably as possible. 💪 

🗣️ Help Shape BCNA's Future Advocacy 

BCNA is also beginning work on our next Policy & Advocacy Strategy, which will guide our advocacy priorities through to 2030. 

We're committed to ensuring this strategy is shaped by the lived experiences of people affected by breast cancer. Consumer representatives are already helping guide the development process, and over the coming months we'll be seeking feedback from consumers, clinicians and other stakeholders. 

Importantly, there will be opportunities for members of the Online Network to have their say through a survey that will be available later next month. The insights gathered will inform our Policy and Advocacy Strategy, guide our priorities and strengthen our efforts to improve equity and outcomes for all people affected by breast cancer. 🌟 

Your experiences are at the heart of everything we do. As we look to the future, we want to ensure BCNA's advocacy continues to focus on the issues that matter most to our community and where we can make the greatest impact. 

Thank you for continuing to share your insights and experiences with us. Together, we're helping create a stronger voice for everyone affected by breast cancer. 💕