Patients like Kathy rely on genomic testing for life-saving care, so why are there still delays and inequities?
Kathy, like over 40% of newly diagnosed lung cancer patients, was diagnosed when her cancer was already Stage 4 and terminal. The good news? Genomic testing of Kathy’s cancer identified a specific gene for which there is a targeted treatment. Kathy takes a daily pill that is currently keeping her alive. “If every single lung…
The Missing Piece – Breast Cancer
Five stakeholders join voices calling for faster and more equitable access to genetic testing in breast cancer For Amber, as a mother with stage 4 breast cancer, her concern is for her family. Amber wants those she loves to be able to access genetic testing. Her hope is with this knowledge, perhaps they avoid the…
The Missing Piece – gynaecological cancer
We want cancer patients to focus on their own personal health journey, not worry about whether they have access to all the tools and information for the best possible outcome. New technologies for endometrial cancers that identify DNA mutations that inform targeted therapy are recognised internationally as the standard of care yet are not universally…
HTA Review into Improved Access to Medicines
The HTA Review found there is urgent need for system reform, with patients experiencing profound negative consequences caused by delays in access to new treatments. This review was initiated as part of the last Medicines Agreement and as such was largely limited to Health Technology Assessment and the Pharmaceutical Benefits Schedule (PBS). While Pathology Technology…
Joint statement supporting the ban on genetic discrimination in life insurance
Pathology Technology Australia and InGeNA Limited welcome the move to legislate a total ban on the use of genomic data by Life Insurers to discriminate against individuals. “If Australia is to maintain equitable, timely, and economically sustainable healthcare for all Australians we will need to pivot towards more predictive, preventative, and personalised methods of healthcare…
The Missing Piece – Sarah’s pre-eclampsia story
After a week in hospital with dangerously high blood pressure, Sarah’s body finally went into seizure and she was rushed into an emergency C-section, with her baby not yet full term. “If I had access to a test that could predict my risk for pre-eclampsia I could have prevented a life threatening situation for…
The Missing Piece – Lung Cancer Molecular Pathology Chest pain. Shortness of breath. Persistent cough. Fatigue. Is it “a bit of a cold” or signs of something much more serious? Lung cancer is Australia’s biggest cancer killer. Anyone can get lung cancer, even if you have never smoked. If found early, outcomes are improved, but…
The Missing Piece – Diabetes
We are experiencing a diabetes epidemic. An estimated 1.5 million Australians (1 in 20) are living with a diagnosis of diabetes, but this condition does not impact all Australian communities equally and not all diabetes patients have equal access to life-changing technology. Watch Ray and Renza share their stories and the critical role technology plays…
The Missing Piece – Rapid Syndromic Testing
The Missing Piece – Rapid Syndromic Testing Patients with infectious illness show symptoms indicative of disease, but may not specifically indicate the underlying cause. Often broad treatment, heavy monitoring and possibly unnecessary interventions ensues. This burdens healthcare systems, staff and infrastructure and patients may not get the best care possible. Watch Prof Griffin explain…
PTA Congress Report – Consensus driven solutions to healthcare challenges
PTA-C/24 saw more than 160 healthcare stakeholders from a broad cross section come together for 2 days to examine the role of technology in addressing 3 key challenges facing healthcare in Australia: Does your postcode dictate your healthcare outcome? Have we been left behind in the technology race? How can technology address some of the…