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GARDS
News Item
02/09/07
Access to mesothelioma treatment not equal for all
A new report has found 35 – 50 per cent of Australian victims of mesothelioma, the fatal asbestos-related cancer, aren’t getting access to critical treatment for their disease, while others are receiving fully subsidised access to the same therapy. Released by The Allen Consulting Group, the report found extreme access inequities between mesothelioma patients in different States, among those attending different hospitals, and between those exposed to asbestos via occupational hazard and those who cannot establish how they were exposed.
Dr Nick Pavlakis, Head of the Department of Medical Oncology at Royal North Shore Hospital and Lecturer in Medicine at the University of Sydney, describes the results as an alarming wake-up call.
“It’s difficult to believe such unnecessary inequity exists in Australia,” Dr Pavlakis said. “The standard-of-care treatment should be available to every patient around the country, no matter who they are or where they live, when diagnosed with such an aggressive cancer. “Mesothelioma victims often struggle to pay out of pocket for their treatment, which offers the chance of extended life and improved quality of life, because Australia’s national drug access scheme doesn’t assist them. “ Australia has the highest rate of mesothelioma in the world and the standard-of-care treatment is available via national subsidy in many other countries but still not here,” Dr Pavlakis added.
Cancer experts and patient advocacy groups nationwide are calling on the Federal Government to rectify this unfair situation by subsidising access to mesothelioma treatment via the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS).
The Cochrane Collaboration, a highly regarded international medical organisation, recently reviewed the standard-of-care chemotherapy treatment which was found to increase patient survival and improve quality of life by reducing fatigue, loss of appetite, pain and cough. On average, patients’ lives are extended to over a year from diagnosis, with some living much longer.
A full six cycle course of the standard-of-care chemotherapy treatment for mesothelioma is around $20,000 per patient.
Mesothelioma is a fatal cancer of the pleura, the lining of the lung, which is caused by exposure to airborne asbestos fibres. Incidence in Australia is increasing, with the number of mesothelioma patients predicted to peak in 2020 at around 18,000 victimsvi, with over 600 new cases diagnosed every year.
Mr Barry Robson, President of the Asbestos Diseases Foundation of Australia (ADFA), said while inequitable treatment access for mesothelioma patients is an ongoing dilemma, the report raises a number of new issues. “According to the research, and our members, a number of patients aren’t even told about all their treatment options because their doctor believes they couldn’t pay for some out of their own pocket,” Mr Robson said.
“The Federal Government has the power to see that all mesothelioma patients, who have been exposed to asbestos by no fault of their own, get equal subsidised access to the standard-of-care treatment which can significantly extend their survival and improve their quality of life.
“One in three houses built in Australia up until 1987 have asbestos in them and alarmingly, we’re seeing a new wave of cases appearing among young Australians, both men and women, who are renovating their homes.
“Mesothelioma is a devastating disease that claims lives quickly and national action is required quickly,” Mr Robson concluded.
Tony Lorizio, 44, was diagnosed with mesothelioma three years ago. He contracted the disease in the 1980s as a carpenter, and has now been through two courses of the standard-of-care chemotherapy treatment. With two daughters, aged 10 and 13, Tony has a lot to live for. He is thankful for the treatment he has been able to access through a payment from the NSW Dust Diseases Board, but can’t believe all patients don’t have the same opportunity. “My doctors gave me one year to live when I was first diagnosed, but my chemotherapy treatment has reduced the tumor so I can live almost normally for the moment and I’m not in any pain,” Mr Lorizio said. “Every Australian who’s afflicted with mesothelioma should have equal subsidised access to treatment, and there shouldn’t be any barriers to getting it. You can’t put a price on life, and the extra time I’ve been given, to spend with my family, has been very special.”
Gippsland Asbestos Related Diseases Support Inc. (GARDS) has been very active in raising awareness of this issue and advocating for better access to treatment for all Australian mesothelioma patients.
Should you require more information on the issue, or wish to get involved, please do not hesitate to contact us on the office phone 03 51 27 7744, Vicki mobile 0407274173 or email info@gards.org
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