VET’S CURE CATCH 22
RESEARCHERS have called for routine screening for psychological distress among cancer patients, with fears posttraumatic stress disorder ( PTSD) may be going undiagnosed.
A Malaysian longitudinal study of nearly 500 patients published in journal CANCER found 22 per cent had partial or full PTSD six months after diagnosis. A third were still living with PTSD at four years.
The study also found that, compared with patients with other cancer types, those with breast cancer were 3.7 times less likely to develop PTSD at six months but not at four years. The findings highlight the need for early identification, careful monitoring and treatment of PTSD in cancer survivors, the researchers say.
They did however note that the results may not apply to non- Asian populations.
MEDICAL AID
A DEFENCE veteran has been dispensed medical cannabis to treat post- traumatic stress syndrome for the first time in Townsville.
Lee Donnollan will be given the medication through the special access scheme which gives patients access to drugs not included on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods.
It is the culmination of a long campaign for Mr Donnollan who has struggled for access to medical cannabis.
He has spent thousands of dollars, months visiting doctors and dealt with regulatory agencies – even driving a 900km round trip to Mareeba to access the medication.
Although he has access to the drug, the fight continues for Mr Donnollan, who is now battling with the Department of Veterans’ Affairs’ refusal to Medical cannabis can treat: nausea; diabetes; epilepsy; asthma; cancer; PTSD; multiple sclerosis; fibromyalgia; anorexia; AIDS/ HIV. pay for the medication.
Mr Donnollan said he should be entitled to assistance as a Gold Card holder.
“It will cost me $ 1850 each month to pay for the medi- cation, which is equal to a house payment,” Mr Donnollan said.
“I have two options, either come up with the money or go to the black market and be at risk of arrest and jail.
“That should not even be an option on the table.”
Mr Donnollan said 43 veterans had already died this year from suicide. He said medical cannabis was an alternative to other medications and he used it to alleviate symptoms linked to PTSD.
“This is a garrison city and I want Townsville veterans to know they don’t have to take those pills anymore,” he said.
To be eligible for the medication, patients must have exhausted all other options including hospitalisation.
Mr Donnollan described medical cannabis as a miracle drug.
“It’s saved my life and that’s a miracle,” he said.
“This is a historic moment for veterans across Australia.
“Veterans now have access and I have a pathway for them to get there.”