‘Happy dances’ around the nation as rare cancer treatment given PBS listing
A burden has been lifted for those living with rare gastrointestinal stromal tumors, with a treatment now available on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme.
‘Qinlock’ has been brought down in cost from $10,000 a month to $41, a figure Sarah McGoram is “very, very happy to pay”.
The GIST patient has fought for a decade to have the drug approved and funded, and told Jim she was “relieved” and “overwhelmed with joy” to hear the Health Minister’s announcement.
For Sarah, who was diagnosed with the rare cancer when she was just 18, affordable treatment may mean surviving long enough to see her son graduate high school.
“A huge pressure has come off our family, and that of all the families around Australia who are relying on this treatment.
“There were a lot of happy dances around Australia, I can assure you of that.”
Press PLAY below to hear Sarah’s response in full
Image: Getty
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