Australian Genomics and Rare Cancers Australia are hosting a series of roundtable discussions on genomic-led cancer care.
Cancer advocates are leading a fresh push for accessible genomic testing with a roundtable series kicking off in Canberra tomorrow.
The talks will be co-hosted by Rare Cancers Australia and Australian Genomics, with invitations having gone out to state, territory and federal representatives.
The aim for the roundtable series is to inform the new national framework for genomics in cancer control and to recognise the specific needs of rare cancers.
“Genomic testing is available, but not accessible to everyone,” said RCA CEO Christine Cockburn.
“Personalised medicine is completely revolutionising survival and cancer care, but it isn’t equitably offered to all who might benefit.”
Genomic testing looks at specific genes in a cancer tumour and tests how active they are and whether they have specific mutations. It generally costs at least $300.
Only around 10% of genetic tests provided across Australia are covered by Medicare, and the criteria for the rebates that do exist tend to have very specific criteria attached.
Tiffany Boughtwood, managing director of Australian Genomics, said Australia had already invested heavily in the infrastructure needed to support broader testing.
“We now need to realise the full potential of these genomic technologies and implement comprehensive genomic testing for cancer care and control so that all Australians benefit,” she said.
The Canberra roundtable will be held at Parliament House and focus on the current genomic landscape.
Ms Cockburn and Ms Boughtwood will be joined by patient advocate Charlotte Noble, Zero Childhood Cancer program director Associate Profession Vaness Tyrrell and Telethon Kids Institute Indigenous genomics strategy and policy manager Louise Lyons.
A second roundtable coming up in Melbourne on 16 October will look at practical consideration and next steps, while a third and final event in Sydney on 8 November will discuss policy changes for a sustainable genomic-led cancer care sector.
