A major win for Australians facing breast cancer: a life-saving treatment is now within reach for hundreds more, thanks to a significant expansion of the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS).
The drug Kisqali (ribociclib), previously reserved for advanced cases, is now subsidised for a much broader group—specifically, those with early-stage, hormone receptor-positive, HER2-negative, lymph node-positive breast cancer at high risk of recurrence after surgery.
This group represents about 70 per cent of early-stage breast cancer cases in Australia.
What’s changed—and why it matters
Until now, Kisqali was out of reach for many, with a full course costing upwards of $140,000. For most families, that’s simply not an option.
But since yesterday, July 1, PBS now covers Kisqali for eligible early-stage patients, slashing the cost to just a fraction of the original price.
That’s tens of thousands of dollars saved, and—more importantly—potentially years of life gained.
Federal Health Minister Mark Butler summed it up: ‘For Labor, that is what the PBS is all about. Access to the best available treatment at affordable PBS prices.’
And for many, this isn’t just about money—it’s about hope, and a fighting chance.
How Kisqali works
Kisqali is part of a class of drugs known as CDK4/6 inhibitors. In plain English, it blocks certain proteins that help cancer cells grow and divide.
When combined with endocrine (hormone) therapy, it’s been shown to significantly reduce the risk of breast cancer returning.
As Dr Belinda Yeo, a specialist oncologist, explains: ‘We know when you combine Kisqali with endocrine therapy, more patients will not have the cancer return.’
The risk of recurrence is a constant shadow for survivors. ‘It’s a frustrating situation that patients find themselves in,’ Dr Yeo says, ‘because the risk of the cancer coming back is not necessarily different from year two or three to year five or six.’
In other words, the fear never really goes away—but treatments like Kisqali can help keep it at bay.
The bigger picture: breast cancer in Australia
Breast cancer remains the most common cancer among Australian women. Every day, 58 people are diagnosed, and tragically, nine lose their lives.
While early detection has improved survival rates, recurrence is still a real and present danger—especially for those with stage II and III disease.
And it’s not just older women who are affected. Kirsten Pilatti, CEO of Breast Cancer Network Australia, points out that around 20 per cent of those diagnosed are under 50.
‘Unfortunately, there is an increase in the number of young people being diagnosed with breast cancer,’ she says. For these younger patients, the emotional and financial toll can be even greater.
Real stories, real impact
Take Catherine Mclardy, a mother of two who was diagnosed at just 38. Her story is all too familiar: a routine check, a whirlwind of tests, and then the life-changing news.
After surgery, 16 rounds of chemotherapy, and 25 rounds of radiation, Catherine is now cancer-free—but the fear of recurrence lingers.
‘I sort of felt like I almost had the Grim Reaper’s hand on my shoulder sometimes,’ she admits.
For Catherine, the PBS listing of Kisqali is nothing short of a miracle. ‘Feels like I’d won the lottery, because it’s so expensive. So to know that people have options when these kinds of medications go on the PBS, it is really like hitting the jackpot.’
Beyond the physical: the emotional and financial toll
The journey through breast cancer doesn’t end with remission. Survivors often live with the anxiety of recurrence, and the financial burden of ongoing treatment can be overwhelming.
By expanding access to advanced therapies like Kisqali, the government is not only improving survival rates but also easing the emotional and financial stress for patients and their families.
Credit: 7NEWS / YouTube
What does this mean for you or your loved ones?
If you or someone you know is facing early-stage, hormone receptor-positive, HER2-negative, lymph node-positive breast cancer, talk to your oncologist about whether Kisqali is right for you.
The new PBS listing could make a world of difference—not just in terms of cost, but in peace of mind and long-term health.
Have your say
Have you or a loved one been affected by breast cancer? What do you think about the PBS expansion for Kisqali? Do you have experience with the financial or emotional challenges of cancer treatment?
We’d love to hear your thoughts and stories—share them in the comments below and help others in our community feel less alone.
Together, we can celebrate these wins, support each other through the tough times, and keep pushing for better, fairer access to life-saving treatments for all Australians.
Also read: Top doctor links an everyday cooking ingredient to breast cancer—what could it be?
