Daniella Pager, a health professional from Brighton, Australia, recently discovered that her battle with breast cancer was not the only challenge she would face. After being diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer, Pager realized the importance of advocating for better treatment options and recognition for those living with this advanced form of the disease.
At only 40 years old, on her birthday, Pager received a diagnosis of early-stage breast cancer. Despite having no risk factors, including family history or genetic mutations, she faced the disease head-on. Following her diagnosis, she underwent a mastectomy, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy. Additionally, she took the oestrogen-blocking medication Tamoxifen for ten years and opted for a hysterectomy and ovary removal. “I did everything to stop this bugger coming back,” she remarked, reflecting on her proactive approach.
Thirteen years later, in February 2024, Pager experienced severe back pain that did not respond to standard pain relief. A scan revealed that the cancer had metastasized to her bones, a diagnosis that caught her off guard once again.
In her journey, Pager has emphasized the necessity for patients to advocate for themselves. She urges others with stage four cancer to “fight to get people to listen to you: don’t just accept the bare minimum.” This call to action stems from the medical system’s assumptions about treatment options available to those with metastatic breast cancer, particularly in light of a lack of accurate data regarding the number of individuals affected.
According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, recent statistics reveal there are approximately 20,800 women and 150 men living with metastatic breast cancer in Australia. This figure is double what was previously estimated, highlighting a critical gap in understanding the disease’s prevalence. Among women, New South Wales has 5,900 cases, followed closely by Victoria with 5,400 and Queensland with 4,600.
Kirsten Pilatti, the Chief Executive of Breast Cancer Network Australia, stated, “For the first time, those people will feel seen.” She noted that the new data would inform healthcare policies, ensuring that the increasing number of individuals living with this condition receives appropriate support and resources. Pilatti remarked, “We’re living longer, but we actually need to provide more support and care for this group who have felt unseen for so long.”
Rod Glover, the husband of the late Labor MP Peta Murphy, echoed the sentiment during the launch of the new data. Murphy had long advocated for the collection of statistics on metastatic breast cancer, emphasizing the need for visibility to adequately address healthcare needs. “Peta made a firm decision to be an advocate for those who couldn’t speak up,” Glover said, noting the significance of the data in recognizing and valuing the experiences of patients.
As Pager continues her fight against cancer, she remains hopeful that the publication of these statistics will lead to increased funding for research and innovative treatments. Following her own struggles, she was able to secure genomic testing of her tumor, which revealed that her cancer had returned as a different subtype. This breakthrough led her to participate in a clinical trial for a drug targeting her specific tumor mutation.
While Pager acknowledges that her current treatment is not a miracle cure, she has seen promising results in her tumor markers. “This drug has smashed them back towards the levels of normal,” she said, expressing cautious optimism about her ongoing treatment.
The broader implications of this new data cannot be overstated. Patients with metastatic breast cancer now have a stronger platform to advocate for their needs and receive the specialized care they deserve. By bringing attention to their experiences, advocates like Daniella Pager and the late Peta Murphy are fostering a greater understanding of metastatic breast cancer and its impact on lives across Australia.
