KAP in support of drugs subsidy

KENNEDY MP Bob Katter says a federal government recommendation to subsidise two “lifesaving” cancer drugs is a mighty step forward for Far North Queenslanders.

The government's Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee has recommended that breast cancer drugs Ribociclib and Palbocicilib be added to the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS).

Clinical trials of the drugs have found to substantially increase the length of time before the cancer spreads.

However, the pharmaceutical products cost Australians about $5000 for a month, as they are not on the PBS.

Mr Katter said he was confident negotiations regarding the drugs’ cost would progress swiftly.

He said he would remain steadfast in his commitment to keep the pressure on the government to see the drugs added to the public scheme.

“It is imperative that the government addresses the current system of supporting those with life threatening illnesses, which affects so many families in the community,” he LOW PRICE said. “I have urged the Minister for Health to address the additional cost incurred by families facing life threatening cancer, so that cancer sufferers may have an affordable drug readily available and have more time to live.

“Overall survival is of course the ultimate aim of treatment but progression free survival or slowing down the course of disease is also important to women.”

He said being able to delay the onset of chemotherapy and reduce the amount of hospital visits would make a huge difference to cancer patients’ lives.

Mareeba resident Stephanie Bell has been battling breast cancer for nearly 25 years.

Ms Bell, 62, who has been involved in a clinical trial since September involving the cancer drugs, described pharmaceutical treatment as “amazing.”

“To me, it’s not costing me anything,” she said.

“But there other people out there who can’t afford it and can’t get on to it.”

editorial@cairnspost.com.au facebook.com/TheCairnsPost www.cairnspost.com.au twitter.com/TheCairnsPost