Posted by Michael Wonder on 18 Oct 2016
Rare cancer patients push for better medication access, say current PBS framework is unfair
18 October 2016 - Patients with rare cancers have ramped up calls on the Federal Government to change regulations around access to medications, which have seen some patients forced to pay thousands more to access drugs than patients with more common cancers.
Rare and uncommon cancers kill around 20,000 Australians per year, but because of their varied nature and the small number of people each type affects each year, research and treatment development can be difficult.
Canberra patient James McKenzie, who has a rare form of cancer that affects his salivary ducts, and has spread to his brain and lungs, is due to start a treatment which will cost him approximately $1,000 per week on Thursday.
