2016-05-14
Senator Scott Ludlam
It might have been a bit of fun to see 'Gary lose his lustre but the reason behind The Worlds Greatest Shave was not lost on me.
Before the shave, I met Serina Doesn, who in 2002, at just 29 years of age, was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukaemia.Some discoveries have identified new approaches to cure or successfully manage many cancers, thereby stopping their progress and/or better controlling symptoms.
During those 14 years she has relied heavily on the Leukaemia Foundation for support and described the vital difference the foundation has made in her life through emotional counselling and financial support, transport to and from treatment each month, accommodation when she was flown to Melbourne for treatment, and even the most thoughtful of things – like a care package of fresh food and groceries delivered to her door after an extended time in hospital.
Serina also spoke of the hope she has that the research undertaken by the Leukaemia Foundation would one day find a cure for blood cancer. Some discoveries have identified new approaches to cure or successfully manage many cancers, thereby stopping their progress and/or better controlling symptoms. New drugs still may have undesirable side-effects, but they are far less toxic than traditional heavy-duty chemotherapy. While some blood cancers are still very dependent on 'chemo, the new targeted therapies are here now and there are many more on the horizon.
In 2015, the Leukaemia Foundations research indicated the importance of clinical trials in providing patients with access to new therapies not yet reimbursed on the PBS. However, of those trying to access new therapies, only around half of them succeeded. Significantly, of those who were able to access a new therapy through a trial, 75 per cent reported a beneficial response with no detectable disease or they achieved remission.
Most new blood cancer medicines are very expensive and therefore beyond the reach of the average Australian. Most of us can only afford these drugs when they are made available through the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS. This is why the Leukaemia Foundation is calling on the Federal Government to improve access to new cancer drugs that are not available through the PBS, and continue to implement the recommendations of the Clinical Trials Action Group and ensure more Australians have access to clinical trials and new medicines.
Although survival rates are improving, blood cancers are the third highest cause of cancer death in Australia – higher than better known cancers like breast cancer and melanomas. More than 1,200 Western Australians will be diagnosed with leukaemia, lymphoma or myeloma this year or 23 people each week. Leukaemia can happen to anyone – young, old from all walks of life. But anyone can make a difference – even politicians.
Thats why I took part in the Worlds Greatest Shave. Thank you so much to everyone who donated and I reached my goal of $10,000. In fact, together we raised $10,028; SHAVE GARY: $5408 or SAVE GARY: $4592. You will make a difference. Go to http://my.leukaemiafoundation.org.au/senatorscottludlam
Photo: Post shave head rub from Rachel Siewert. Rachel Pemberton