Policy & Advocacy Update - Vicki Durston - June26

Zoladex, access and what this means for patients 

Hello everyone, 

I want to speak directly to you about the recent announcement from AstraZeneca to withdraw the monthly 3.6mg formulation of Zoladex from Australia. 

For many people, this is not just a medication. 

It is a critical part of treatment — used for ovarian suppression in breast cancer, for fertility preservation during chemotherapy, and for reducing the risk of early menopause in younger women. 

So when a treatment like this is removed — particularly without a clear, long-term pathway — it creates real uncertainty. 

What we are hearing 

We are hearing from both clinicians and people affected by breast cancer that this uncertainty is already influencing care. 

There are questions about switching treatments. 
Concerns about whether alternatives are appropriate. 

And of particular concern, we are hearing that some people are being advised to consider irreversible options, including surgical removal of the ovaries, because of uncertainty about ongoing access to a reliable monthly treatment. 

That is not where clinical decision-making should sit. 

Decisions about treatment should be based on evidence and what is right for the individual — not driven by uncertainty about access. 

What matters right now 

In a situation like this, it is critical that people feel informed and supported. 

That you have access to clear, reliable and up-to-date information as this situation evolves. 

And that you are able to make decisions about your care with confidence — alongside your treating team. 

What BCNA is doing 

We are actively working with government, clinicians and AstraZeneca to understand what comes next. 

This includes: 

• advocating for a clear and reliable pathway for ongoing access following November 1st2026when this drug is no longer available on the PBS 
  • working to identify an appropriate alternative monthly option 
  • ensuring there is a smooth and clinically appropriate transition, where needed 

Our focus is on making sure that people are not left navigating uncertainty, and that continuity of care is protected. 

What we are seeing more broadly 

There has been significant coverage of this issue across both traditional and social media. 

We know that many people are already living with uncertainty in their diagnosis and treatment — and situations like this can understandably add to that concern. 

For some of you within our Online Network, this may feel particularly unsettling. 

Please know this: 

We will not stop advocating until there is a clear and sustainable resolution to this issue. 

We are continuing to work closely with government, clinicians and AstraZeneca to ensure there is a pathway forward that supports patients and protects continuity of care. 

We will keep you informed as this situation evolves. 

For the most up-to-date information, please continue to follow updates within the Online Network and on the BCNA website. 

Further information 

We also encourage you to watch our recent video with A/Professor Belinda Kiely, where we discuss this issue in more detail and outline what you can do to better understand your options and what is happening. 

A message to our community 

We understand the concern this is causing. 

And we will continue to stand beside you, advocate for you, and push for a solution that ensures people are not left uncertain about access to the treatment they need. 

Thank you for continuing to share your experiences and raise your voices.