Access to life-changing treatments for Women's health in Australia

Dear Friends and Art Lovers,

Today I wanted to share something deeply personal that is affecting thousands of Australian women.

After being diagnosed with ER+ breast cancer, life-saving treatment became part of my everyday life. Like many women, my journey has included surgery, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, and ongoing medication. One of those medications, Zoladex, has been essential in suppressing my ovarian function and reducing estrogen to help lower the risk of my cancer returning and any leftover tumours growing.

This is why I was so grateful to hear the Australian Government's recent announcement to make more women's health medications available through the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS). From 1 October 2026, Triptorelin (Diphereline) 3.75mg will be listed on the PBS, providing a more affordable alternative for women living with breast cancer, endometriosis, fertility conditions, and other reproductive health issues. It's a meaningful step towards making essential treatment more accessible.

Last year, I was unable to work and was ineligible to rely on Centrelink JobSeeker benefits. Paying for the medication that helps keep me alive felt overwhelming financially. I take Exemestane every day alongside monthly ovarian suppression injections. This treatment isn't optional—it's part of giving me the best chance at staying alive. My medication costs around $50 every month. Over 10 years, that's about $6,000 out of pocket (on PBS)—a significant burden when cancer has already taken away your life, health, work, relationships and more.

In 2025 alone, approximately 13, 580 Australians accessed Zoladex through PBS, indicating its widespread use among women dealing with serious health conditions. The access to Triptorelin at PBS prices represents a significant financial relief, cutting the potential out-of-pocket expense per script from over $1,370 to a maximum of $25. This development not only highlights the government's commitment to supporting women's health but also ensures that critical treatments remain accessible and affordable.

I'm incredibly happy to see positive changes that make healthcare more affordable for breast cancer survivors and others living with chronic health conditions. Access to life-saving treatment should never feel out of reach. I'm grateful for every single day—the good days and the hard ones. Every day is a gift, and I never take that for granted.

Find more information here: https://www.health.gov.au/ministers/the-hon-mark-butler-mp/media/pbs-listing-delivers-new-breast-cancer-treatment-option-for-australian-women?language=en

https://www.facebook.com/AlboMP/posts/living-with-metastatic-breast-cancer-our-lives-are-measured-in-between-scans-kat/1681694169982079/

Thanks for visiting my corner of the internet and I hope to connect with you soon.

- Irene. 

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Irene Cabasa Art acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and acknowledges their continuing connection to land, waters and community. We pay our respects to the people, the cultures and the Elders past and present.

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