Breast cancer is one of the most significant health concerns for women.

According to the National Breast Cancer Foundation (NBCF), one out of seven Australian women are at risk.

However, a beacon of hope is on the horizon thanks to government intervention.

Starting May 1, Wednesday, the Australian government will subsidise a life-changing drug previously out of reach for many due to its exorbitant cost—making it accessible to thousands who need it most.

Verzenio (generic name abemaciclib) has been a topic of discussion among oncologists and breast cancer survivors alike.

The non-chemotherapy oral medicine, along with hormone therapy, works by blocking specific proteins in cancer cells. This combination prevents the recurrence of breast cancer in patients deemed at high risk after initial treatment.

Before this subsidy, a two-year course of Verzenio can set patients back $100,000—a financial burden too heavy for many.

Verzenio will be more accessible to patients nationwide thanks to the government's move to subsidise breast cancer treatments. Image Credit: Pexels/Anna Tarazevich

With the government stepping in to fund the drug through the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS), eligible patients now only have to pay $7.70 for concession cardholders or $31.60 for general patients each month.

This monumental change relieves patients' wallets and overall well-being, knowing their chances of beating cancer just improved.

The decision to include Verzenio in the PBS was influenced by the positive results during international clinical trials involving over 200 Australian patients and doctors.

Mater Hospital Oncologist Fran Boyle participated in the trials and highlighted the importance of intensifying treatment during its early stages.

'Patients with high-risk factors are three times more likely to have their cancer return than those with low-risk characteristics,' she said.

'One in eight patients with early breast cancer is classified as high risk, and the more we can do early in the disease course, the better. We can now intensify treatment during the window of opportunity after surgery when patients are treated with curative intent.'

The subsidy is a turn for the better for breast cancer patients across the country.

Cancer survivor Elizabeth Nguyen vouches for medicine's effects—the former breast cancer patient is now cancer-free after a full-course Verzenio treatment, which she started in July 2021.

'It was important for me to have access to Verzenio. I knew it was the best treatment to reduce the risk of recurrence,' she shared.

'It is so important for women with high-risk early breast cancer to have access to treatments like Verzenio. After a difficult couple of years, I am cancer-free and feeling very positive and hopeful.'

Pharmaceutical company Eli Lilly stated the drug will be distributed among 1800 people diagnosed with the common high-risk, early-stage breast cancer diagnosis.

Eli Lilly Australia's General Manager Tori Brown commended the government as they 'recognised the value in subsidised access' for medicines.

This subsidy program is a game-changer for patients nationwide and is a testament to the government's commitment to supporting Australians battling breast cancer.

Key Takeaways

• The government is subsidising Verzenio, a drug which can prevent the recurrence of high-risk breast cancer from May 1 through the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme.
• Verzenio is a non-chemotherapy oral medication aimed at patients with a high risk of cancer recurrence.
• The $100,000 cost for a two-year course of Verzenio will be significantly reduced by prices of $7.70 for concession cardholders or $31.60 for general patients per month.
• The decision for subsidy followed evidence from an international clinical trial involving Australian patients and doctors, leading to a breakthrough for approximately 1800 people with high-risk early-stage breast cancer.

What do you think of this subsidy? If you have any thoughts about this program, join the conversation in the comments below.

 

[Gsr]

About time, hopefully this will save more lives now it is more affordable to the majority of the population.

 

[Rob44]

As of Deember 2023 the hormone treatment Darolutamide for coping with prostate cancer has also been made available at $31.60 for a 28-day course. It too costs a fortune otherwise. It doesn't cure the cancer but it helps slow its progression. It works by reducing production of testosterone which feeds the cancer cells. Prostate cancer is a slow but nasty beast that can get into the bones after a 2 to 4 years and is then very difficult to deal with.

Prostate cancer is less dramatic than breast cancer but equally deadly; 1 in 6 men get it, and one does not know readily that it is developing. There need be no unusual lump that can be felt and the first sign may be blood in the urine. After 45 years of age it is worth getting a yearly blood test and if your PSA reading is 4 or more certainly get a proper check-up.