BCNA calling out the government - failing to protect Australians from genetic discrimination
Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA) is calling out the government for failing to protect Australians from genetic discrimination while showcasing its new genomics framework. Cancer Australia launched the National Framework for Genomics in Cancer Control this morning, which aims to integrate genomics into routine cancer care, improving outcomes through personalised medicine. BCNA welcomes the framework but condemns the Australian Government’s failure to follow through on its commitment to legislate a full ban on genetic discrimination in life insurance, a critical reform to ensure all Australians can access genetic testing without fear of financial repercussions. “The Government cannot claim progress in genomics while failing to uphold the fundamental rights of those affected by breast cancer and other genetic conditions,” BCNA Director of Policy, Advocacy & Support Services Vicki Durston says. “If genomic medicine is the future, then protections against genetic discrimination must be part of that future. “No more excuses. There must be action before an election is called or Australians are at unacceptable risk.” BCNA calls on the Government to immediately prioritise its promise to introduce a full ban on genetic discrimination in life insurance, ensuring all Australians can access genomic testing without fear. Read full media release via link BCNA calls out government for failing to protect Australians from genetic discrimination while showcasing its new genomics framework (Media Release) Take action now! ✔️ Share this post to spread the word ✔️ Contact your local MP using the form link Email your MP about delays in banning genetic discrimination | DELAYS TO BANNING GENETIC DISCRIMINATION IN AUSTRALIA
What a time to find out you're not covered by HBF! And can I save my nipple?
I was diagnosed just over a week ago. Amid all the shock, at least in the back of my mind I thought, at least I'm covered with HBF. It was only when I was sitting in the office at the private hospital that the receptionist told me my HBF card wasn't working and I called them and they told me they cancelled my policy in May when a payment didn't go through. They said I could just back-pay the last few months and be reinstated but then they put me on hold for 25 minutes and when they came back on the line they said I had to sign up for a new policy and pre-existing conditions would not be covered! And this was the day after my diagnosis, so my brand new condition was now "pre existing"! I was devastated. I've been with them for nine years. Don't know whether to try to fight or not. So now I'm not sure what my options are, the public hospital hasn't contacted me for my first appointment yet. In the mean time I've had my bone and CT scans done, I have a 5 cm tumour and at least two lymph nodes, so stage 2 bordering on stage 3 basically. The private surgeon I saw said I need all the breast tissue and nipple removed but there is no cancer on the nipple or skin, so I wanted to ask if anyone else has had a similar experience and fought to save their skin and nipple? I asked for a reconstruction and he said if I want that they have to put an expander in and do a second surgery later. Has anyone managed to get it all done at once? Also my breasts are large (10G) so he said there are no implants as big as my breasts. I wouldn't mind going smaller on the other side too, is that an option? The surgeon made it sound like that's something I'll have to do on my own at a later date. Thanks guys if anyone reads this, I'm in Perth so I don't know if that affects anything.
Public vs private cost info
Hi everyone :) I was diagnosed with breast cancer on Dec 7 and had a lumpectomy through a private hospital on the 15th. It all happened very fast and I am new to Australia so was trying to get my head around the system, Medicare etc. I do have health insurance but I've been a bit surprised at the amount of out of pocket costs so far. I am now looking at next steps with oncologist which could be radiotherapy, chemo and possibly double mastectomy and the thought of future mounting out of pocket costs is giving me anxiety. Is anyone able to comment on their experience with these? I've got no idea what other possible costs might come up apart from pathology, scans, consultations etc. Also any comments on moving from private to public and any feedback on that would be great I'm in Melbourne. Thanks!
