Questions remain over Labor’s cancer cash promise

As the saying goes, you don’t look a gift horse in the mouth so it is not surprising that Labor’s cancer cash splash this week has been welcomed.

Health groups and interest groups such as oncologists and radiologists have thrown their support behind the $2.3 billion pledge, though on the side many want to see the fine print.

The promise over four years is for $600 million for free X-rays, ultrasounds, mammograms, CT scans and MRIs, equating to about six million scans, and another $433 million for three million bulk-billed consultations with cancer specialists.

Labor also guarantees every cancer drug recommended by independent experts will be listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme, meaning heavily subsidised medicines that could otherwise cost patients thousands of dollars a year.

One in two people will get cancer if they live to the age of 85, and given there are 145,000 new cases every year, free cancer care has huge appeal.

Surveys of cancer patients going back years have consistently found one of the biggest stress points is surprise bills after treatment, even in those with the highest level of private health insurance.

But it is one thing to say there will be funds for millions of extra bulk-billed specialist appointments and scans and another thing to have the capacity and workforce.

There are also concerns that instead of genuine and long-term reforms such as fair rebates, the cash injection could be brief and unsustainable.

There is no guarantee that the promises, which Labor calls reform but is really a bucket of cash over a set period, will weed out the small group of greedy specialists who gouge the health system and patients’ pockets.

And while the promise of free cancer drugs is welcome, the ultimate decision will rest with the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee, which while independent is not immune from economic realities.

The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Radiologists argues the extra funding is long overdue and Australia has lagged behind OECD countries in their access to MRIs.

Cancer Council Australia and the Australian Medical Association have also welcomed the money, though the AMA wants to see the finer details.

Julie Adams, a specialist cancer services pharmacist, said politicians continued to miss a golden opportunity to fund cancer treatment at home.

Public Health Association of Australia chief executive Terry Slevin, a former Cancer Council WA director, said cancer prevention programs to tackle big drivers such as obesity, smoking and lack of exercise are still missing.