Posted by Michael Wonder on 17 May 2017
Poor funding for research, treatment means lower survival rates for rare cancers
17 May 2017 - Tracey Trumper had already survived breast cancer when she was hit last year with a devastating new diagnosis.
After seeking treatment for a persistent cough, she learned she had Stage IV lung cancer. The mother of three, who had never smoked, was advised by her doctor to get her affairs in order.
A targeted therapy for her rare cancer, known as ROS1, offered Mrs Trumper some hope - but the drug, Crizotinib, was not subsidised by the federal government as part of the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme. It was going to cost her more than $7000 a month.
