A senate inquiry in Canberra will today hear evidence on the availability of new and specialist cancer drugs in Australia. Many advanced cancer drugs approved for use in Australia are simply unaffordable because they haven't yet been subsidised under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme.

MICHAEL BRISSENDEN: A senate inquiry in Canberra will today hear evidence on the availability of new and specialist cancer drugs.

Many advanced cancer drugs approved for use in Australia are simply unaffordable because they haven't been subsidised under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme.

The advocacy group Rare Cancers Australia says cancer sufferers are falling through the cracks because the drugs they need take years to qualify for subsidies.

For more details, go to: http://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-04-20/cancer-sufferers-waiting-years-for-pbs-drug/6404770