Vicki Durston: Clarifying BRCA Testing Eligibility
“Clarifying BRCA Testing Eligibility:
We were very pleased with the announcement of Olaparib availability for metastatic breast cancer patients who carry a BRCA mutation. This provides an effective treatment option and reflects BCNA’s advocacy for improved accessibility.
However, subsequent communications have suggested that BRCA testing is available for everyone with early or metastatic breast cancer, leading to some confusion. We received numerous inquiries from individuals seeking clarification on this matter.
We have since confirmed and verified with MSAC that this is not the case, as detailed in our communication below.
I would like to thank MSAC and PBAC for their collaboration over the past three weeks. Additionally, we extend our gratitude to our network for their patience as we worked to clarify and understand the eligibility for BRCA testing.
For full details, please refer to BCNA’s post below.”
Quoting
“Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA) understands there has been some confusion surrounding the eligibility criteria for subsidised BRCA testing under Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) item number 73295.
You may have heard that testing is available for all people with breast cancer, but this not accurate.
We requested clarification from the Medical Services Advisory Committee (MSAC), which has verified that this testing is not currently subsidised for all people diagnosed with breast cancer.
Rather, it is available to those who may be eligible for specific treatments subsidised under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS). At present, this means the subsidy applies to all individuals diagnosed with early or metastatic breast cancer who may be eligible for olaparib, the only BRCA-specific treatment currently available.
The item number was previously specific to treatment with PARP inhibitors but has since been broadened to a more general scope. This change ensures that when new drugs targeting BRCA mutations become available in the future, they can also be covered under this item number.
If you are not eligible for subsidised BRCA testing under item number 73295, you may be eligible under another item number.
We encourage consumers to consult with their healthcare provider to determine whether they meet the criteria for subsidised testing. Ensuring accurate information is crucial to support informed decision-making and access to appropriate care.
For further details or support, please feel free to contact BCNA Helpline on 1800 500 258.”
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