News BCNA New treatments positive breast cancer, will be added to the new system in three tranches – September 2023,
Consumer Representatives at BCNA’s Seat at the Table (SATT) program.
Reports of these delays are deeply concerning, which is why BCNA has called for transparency to gauge the true extent of the problem. Read more here . New BCNA Consumer Representatives We are delighted to welcome our 16 new Consumer Representatives (CRs) who joined BCNA’s Seat at the Table (SATT) program in June. After completing an eight-week online training program, the group joined us in our Camberwell office for a day-and-a-half of interactive workshops and to meet the other new CRs. We wish the new group well in their roles as they support our advocacy team in their work improving access to treatment,
recommended for subsidy Last month BCNA welcomed a decision by the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee (PBAC) to recommend a crucial drug – Keytruda – to treat early- stage triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) for a government subsidy. You can read more about recent PBAC outcomes here . If you have any questions about Keytruda, or other new breast cancer treatments, speak directly to your treating team.
March 2024 and September 2024. Although not in the first tranche, BCNA does not yet know when each of the five breast cancer medications will move to the 60- day dispensing system. Read more here . BCNA advocacy a voice for change in Queensland Twenty-five years into our journey, advocating for better access to care, treatment, and support for people with breast cancer is as important to BCNA’s critical work as it ever was. Just last month we made our voice heard in response to an alarming report that people in Queensland are waiting months for test results to confirm breast cancer. They are then facing further delays for treatment after a diagnosis.
Pharmacy prescription changes on the cards
Five hormone-blocking therapies are among 325 medications on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) moving from 30-day to 60- day dispensing. The medications, which are used to treat hormone receptor
support, and care for those affected by breast cancer.
We want to hear from you!
In September, BCNA hosted co-design workshops involving CRs and Lived Experience groups. These were designed
• Better tailor information that can support treatment, recovery, and quality of life. • Ensure we reach as many people as possible across diverse communities. • Identify future policy and research opportunities, which will align with Australia’s first cancer plan, due for release later this year. Please keep an eye on your inbox or text messages for more information about this survey.
This survey will guide our priorities and ensure we
continue to deliver the highest quality information and support to our members. The outcomes from the survey will help to: • Improve how BCNA connects with people who have a lived experience of
to shape our upcoming national member survey.
In partnership with researchers from the University of Sydney and representatives from our consumer groups, we are conducting a national member survey to better understand how people affected by breast cancer use BCNA’s services and resources.
breast cancer, including those newly diagnosed each year and living with metastatic disease.
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October 2023 | Issue 96
Breast Cancer Network Australia
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