Page 3514 - Week 10 - Wednesday, 18 September 2019
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . . Video
In 2018 the Breast Cancer Network Australia released their state of the nation report and highlighted the need for young women with breast cancer to access government fertility clinics for fertility preservation. Currently fewer than half of the women diagnosed with breast cancer in Australia are provided with adequate information on fertility preservation. Many reported that the approach taken for fertility discussions was inconsistent and inadequate, according to the work of the Breast Cancer Network Australia. We support the work that they are currently undertaking to explore this issue in more detail and to help states and territories improve current information provision for these patients.
Canberra Health Services routinely provides young breast cancer patients with information and support to understand the treatment effects on their fertility. This information includes advice on fertility during and after cancer treatment and, where necessary, referral to a private fertility specialist for support and preservation services. Some private services fast-track their appointments if the patient is referred through an oncologist as well as minimise as much as possible the out-of-pocket costs for these patients. Regardless, we recognise that the cost for these services can remain significant. Fertility preservation in cancer and genetic conditions is an increasing field in Australian medicine.
As Ms Cheyne has noted, New South Wales recently announced a new government-funded fertility and research centre at Sydney’s Royal Hospital for Women. This centre will provide fertility preservation services for patients with cancer diagnosis or rare genetic conditions as well as conduct cutting-edge research on new approaches for fertility treatments. The Royal Women’s Hospital in Victoria also has a fertility preservation clinic, providing care and fertility considerations for patients who have cancer or another health risk that puts their fertility at risk.
I understand the concerns raised by Ms Cheyne in relation to fertility preservation for younger people in our community. As others have noted, Amy Hemsworth’s story that is told in the Canberra Times today is indeed a touching and an important example of how important it is that young people of a reproductive age, who have a cancer diagnosis, get the information they need in a timely way and access to services.
Whilst the ACT government does not currently have plans for a specific territory-wide fertility preservation service for young patients diagnosed with cancer, the ACT is formally part of the New South Wales-ACT adolescent and young adult cancer network which provides direct access to specialists within New South Wales when required. This network is regularly reviewed to ensure that it is meeting the needs of younger people with cancer.
We will continue to investigate potential avenues for enhancing access to fertility preservation services for patients diagnosed with cancer or other serious conditions which impact on fertility. This analysis will need to examine the current state of demand for this service within the ACT and surrounding region as well as explore additional opportunities for providing important information about options for fertility preservation to patients in need. Again, I thank Ms Cheyne for bringing forward the motion and commend it to the Assembly.
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . . Video