Policy & Advocacy Update - Vicki Durston - Feb26
As we continue to move through 2026, there’s a real sense of progress building across breast cancer outcomes - both here at home and internationally. I want to share two important moments that highlight how evidence, leadership, and advocacy are shaping a better future for those affected by breast cancer. ✨ Why AI in mammography can’t wait Eric Topol’s recent article, “Why All Mammograms Should Incorporate AI,” brings together powerful evidence showing that AI in breast screening is no longer a future idea - it’s part of modern, effective care today. One of the strongest examples is the large MASAI trial from Sweden, involving more than 105,000 women. When radiologists used AI as support, the outcomes were remarkable: 👉 29% more cancers detected 👉 24% more invasive cancers found 👉 No increase in false positives or recalls 👉 44% reduction in radiologist workload Two-year follow-up findings were equally compelling: fewer interval cancers, fewer invasive cancers, and fewer aggressive types such as triple negative and HER2-positive cancers. What international evidence now shows International evidence is telling a very consistent story. Large trials and real-world evaluations show that AI-supported mammography can safely increase cancer detection while reducing radiologist workload, without increasing false positives or unnecessary recalls. This matters in a system already under pressure. AI is also changing how we think about risk. New image-based risk models can analyse a mammogram that appears “normal” to the human eye and still identify women at higher risk of developing breast cancer in the next few years. This opens the door to more personalised, risk-stratified screening, rather than the one-size-fits-all model we rely on today. Here in Australia, BreastScreen is a highly respected program, but it was designed more than 30 years ago. While Victoria and NSW are now piloting AI within their services, we still lack a coordinated national approach for integrating AI into breast screening that reflects today’s evidence. What BCNA is calling for We are now at a decision point. The question Eric Topol poses - “If not now, then when?”- is the same challenge facing Australia. For BCNA, this is not about chasing technology for its own sake. We are calling for AI to be treated as a core part of the evolution of breast screening, not an optional add-on. That means: Embedding AI research, evaluation and implementation within BreastScreen Ongoing, in-program national investment in screening research and quality improvement Ensuring that the benefits of new technology are delivered equitably, so no woman is left behind because of where she lives or her background If we get this right, AI won’t replace the program Australians trust - it will strengthen it, helping detect cancers earlier, supporting an overstretched workforce, and moving us closer to truly personalised, risk-stratified screening.📢 Perjeta is now listed on the PBS!✨
Breast Cancer Network Australia warmly welcomes the announcement that Perjeta (pertuzumab) will be listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) from today onwards, 1 July 2026 for eligible Australians with HER2-positive high-risk early breast cancer. For the approximately 2,500 Australians diagnosed each year who may benefit from this treatment, this is more than just a policy change. It’s a life-changing moment. The PBS listing will remove a significant financial barrier, making this important treatment far more accessible to those who need it most. 🙌💗 While this is a major step forward, it also shines a light on the ongoing challenges many Australians face when trying to access new and vital medicines as there are still too many life-saving breast cancer treatments not PBS listed. There is still more work to be done to ensure timely, equitable access for everyone. Today, we celebrate progress and continue to advocate for a future where no one is left behind. 💕 👉 Read more about Perjeta listing on the PBS herePolicy & Advocacy Update - Vicki Durston - August26
Hi everyone, As BCNA begins planning our next Policy & Advocacy Strategy, I wanted to share some important updates about the work we're doing to ensure the voices of Australians affected by breast cancer continue to drive change. Help Shape BCNA's Future Advocacy Priorities 💗 At BCNA, our advocacy starts with listening. We've recently launched a national survey, in collaboration with Deakin University, to help inform BCNA's next Policy & Advocacy Strategy. This is your opportunity to tell us what matters most to you and where you believe BCNA should focus its advocacy efforts over the next four years. Whether you're newly diagnosed, living with metastatic breast cancer, undergoing treatment, or years beyond diagnosis, your experiences and insights are invaluable. We're particularly keen to hear from a diverse range of people across Australia, including those living in regional and rural communities, people from different cultural backgrounds, and those with a variety of breast cancer experiences. 👉 Access the survey and have your say here Your feedback will help us understand: What's working well Where gaps remain The challenges people continue to face Where BCNA can have the greatest impact The survey takes approximately 15 to 20 minutes to complete and closes on 26 August 2026. Every response helps strengthen BCNA's consumer-led advocacy and ensures our future priorities reflect the real needs of our community. If you haven't already, I encourage you to take part and share the survey with others affected by breast cancer who may wish to contribute. Taking Breast Cancer Issues to Parliament House 🏛️ Advocacy often happens behind the scenes, but it's a vital part of BCNA's work. Recently, BCNA met with federal parliamentarians in Canberra to ensure the experiences and priorities of people affected by breast cancer continue to be heard at the highest levels of government. These discussions focused on several key issues, including: Access to breast cancer medicines and treatments Breast screening reform Support for people living with metastatic breast cancer Challenges facing people affected by breast cancer across Australia Meetings like these help us build relationships with decision-makers and keep consumer experiences front and centre in policy discussions. While meaningful change can take time, ongoing engagement with government is essential to progressing reforms that improve outcomes and experiences for people affected by breast cancer. As the national voice for Australians affected by breast cancer, BCNA will continue advocating for the issues that matter most to our community. Progress Towards a Sustainable Option for Zoladex patients 💊 Our continued advocacy, including in Canberra has led to an important development in securing a sustainable monthly ovarian suppression option ahead of the planned delisting of Zoladex® 3.6mg from the PBS on 1 November 2026. At a recent out-of-session meeting, the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee (PBAC) recommended triptorelin (Diphereline®) 3.75mg for PBS listing for breast cancer. While government approval and final listing arrangements are still required, this recommendation is a positive step towards maintaining access to a monthly ovarian suppression treatment through the PBS. For many people with hormone receptor-positive breast cancer, ovarian suppression is an important part of treatment. The planned withdrawal of Zoladex 3.6mg has understandably created uncertainty for those who rely on monthly treatment. Since the withdrawal was announced, BCNA has worked closely with consumers, clinicians, government and industry to help identify a sustainable alternative. As part of the our breast cancer discussions with Parliemnt House, we also convened an urgent national roundtable to ensure the concerns and experiences of those affected were heard directly by decision-makers. This recommendation reflects the collective efforts of consumers, clinicians and the broader breast cancer community. BCNA will continue advocating on this issue and provide updates as PBS listing and supply arrangements are confirmed. BreastScreen Australia Review: Positive Progress, But Funding Matters 🎗️ BCNA has welcomed the release of the long-awaited BreastScreen Australia Review and the agreement by Australian governments on a new National Strategic Framework to guide the future of the program. The review recognises BreastScreen Australia as a trusted and effective program that saves lives through early detection. It also identifies opportunities to improve participation, strengthen quality and safety, reduce inequities, and modernise the program. We're pleased to see commitments to begin work on: A national annual screening policy A National Participation Strategy Improvements to quality and safety These are positive steps forward. However, BCNA remains concerned that the funding announced to support reform does not yet match the scale of the changes identified in the review. For many communities, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women, culturally and linguistically diverse communities, and women living in regional and remote areas, barriers to screening continue to exist. BCNA will continue advocating for meaningful investment to ensure everyone can access high-quality breast screening services, regardless of where they live. As governments move from review to implementation, it's essential that consumer voices remain at the centre of the reform process. Lived experience must continue to help shape the future of breast screening in Australia. You can read more about BCNA's response to the review here: 🔗 https://www.bcna.org.au/latest-news/bcna-news/bcna-welcomes-breastscreen-review-warns-on-funding Thank You 🌸 Everything we achieve through advocacy is strengthened by the voices of people affected by breast cancer. Whether you're completing a survey, sharing your story, participating in consultations, or contributing here in the Online Network, you're helping shape a better future for our community. Thank you for your ongoing support and for helping ensure that lived experience remains at the heart of BCNA's advocacy work. Warm regards, Vicki Durston Policy & Advocacy Director Breast Cancer Network AustraliaPolicy & 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.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. 💕
