Patients battling an aggressive type of breast cancer might soon see significant financial relief, as the government is set to subsidize the cost of a vital medication. This move promises to alleviate the heavy financial burden many face in accessing life-extending treatments.
For Melbourne mother Larissa King, this development offers the hope of spending more precious time with her family. Currently, King relies on Tucatinib, a drug essential in her fight against the disease. However, the cost is staggering—just one small bottle, which lasts a month, sets her back $4,500.
“The thought of having to pay that amount regularly was daunting,” King expressed, reflecting on the immense financial strain.
Earlier this year, King received the devastating news that her breast cancer had metastasized to her brain. Tucatinib stands out as one of the few medications available that can effectively slow the progression of her condition.
The mum-of-three found out her breast cancer had spread to her brain earlier this year.
Tucatinib is one of the only drugs that helps slow it down.
“It has been quite stressful,” she admitted.
“I’ve managed to use some of my life insurance… [and] my sister set up a GoFundMe page to help me with one round.”
King’s daughter, Rose Mackinnon, also shocked by the bill foist on her mum.
“It’s honestly insane to think that people need to pay that much to live with a condition they didn’t ask for,” Mackinnon said.
Now, five years after it was first made available in Australia,
The federal government is stepping in to help lighten the load, with the drug set to be added to the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS).
“These patients are deciding whether they can afford to extend their life, or literally choose not to have access to these drugs,” Kirsten Pilatti CEO of Breast Cancer Network told 9News.
Once the drug is listed, patients will only have to pay around $35 a month.
But negotiations between the government and pharmaceutical company haven’t been finalised, so there’s still no date for when the subsidy kicks in.
“It will buy me more time with my family, which is what I really want,” King said.
“I want to have time to see my children growing up and see them following their dreams.”
Mackinnon is pleading with the pharmaceutical companies to follow through urgently.
“I would really like it if these companies would think about the joy that the subsidy brings,” she said.
“There’s so much relief, and, yeah, so many more opportunities that we can afford. And that’s just magic.”
