The Australian federal government has announced a significant change that will reduce the financial burden of breast cancer treatment for thousands of patients. Effective from October 1, 2023, the drug Truqap will be included in the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS), allowing patients to access this treatment at a fraction of the previous cost.
Truqap is designed to treat breast cancer that is either locally advanced or metastatic and cannot be surgically removed. Prior to this announcement, patients faced potential treatment expenses exceeding $100,000. With its addition to the PBS, the maximum out-of-pocket expense for patients will now be $31.60 per prescription.
Improving Survival Rates
Health Minister Mark Butler stated that this listing is expected to enhance survival rates for individuals diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer. He highlighted that currently, only about one in three women with this diagnosis survive for five years or more. Butler emphasized the positive impact of Truqap, suggesting it will provide renewed hope for approximately 3,000 women and some men annually.
“This new listing will make a very big dent in some of the challenges we face around survivability and quality of life for women with metastatic breast cancer,” Butler noted. His remarks underscore the government’s commitment to improving cancer care in Australia.
A Welcome Development
The decision has been met with approval from advocates within the cancer community. Andrea Smith, a founding member of Metastatic Breast Cancer (MBC) Action Australia, praised the government’s move. She pointed out that the estimated 24,000 Australians living with metastatic breast cancer often juggle work and family responsibilities alongside the intense psychological and physical demands of their condition.
Smith’s organization plays a vital role in supporting those affected by this illness, and she believes that Truqap’s availability will significantly ease the financial strain for many families.
Current Statistics
According to government data, in 2024, over 21,000 Australians were diagnosed with breast cancer, accounting for approximately 13 percent of all new cancer cases that year. Tragically, 3,305 individuals succumbed to the disease, highlighting the urgent need for effective treatment options.
Medical professionals have also expressed their support for the addition of Truqap to the PBS. Fran Boyle, a medical oncologist at the Mater Hospital in North Sydney, remarked that this new drug provides an additional treatment option that can be utilized before chemotherapy if desired.
As the implementation date approaches, patients and healthcare providers are optimistic that Truqap will offer not only financial relief but also improved health outcomes for those battling metastatic breast cancer in Australia.
