Prostate cancer support

10th November 2021

Additional support for Australian men battling prostate cancer

From November, Australian men with prostate cancer will have access to a new medication at an affordable price, thanks to the Morrison Joyce Government.

Deputy Prime Minister and Member for New England, Barnaby Joyce said the announcement was a further sign that the Government’s commitment to ensuring Australians can access affordable medicines, when they need them, remains rock solid.

“Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer diagnosed in men in Australia and the third most common cause of cancer death,” Mr Joyce said.

“One in six men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer by the age of 85. It is more common in older men, with more than 63 per cent of cases diagnosed in men over 65 years of age.”

“From November 1, as we mark the start of Movember, Nubeqa® (darolutamide) will be listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) for the first time for patients with non-metastatic castration resistant carcinoma of the prostate.”

“Without PBS subsidy, around 1,000 patients may pay more than $40,000 per year for treatment. Instead, they will pay a maximum of $41.30 per script or $6.60 with a concession card.”

Minister for Health and Aged Care Greg Hunt, echoed the Deputy Prime Minister, saying medication, alongside early detection can save lives and protect lives.

“It is estimated that around 18,000 new cases of prostate cancer will be diagnosed in Australia this year alone,” Minister Hunt said.