Cancer is a complex group of diseases characterised by the uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells throughout the body. When normal cells become damaged or undergo genetic mutations, they can begin dividing rapidly and forming tumours or spreading to other parts of the body through the bloodstream or lymphatic system.
In Australia, some of the most commonly diagnosed cancers include:
Australian oncologists employ various treatment approaches depending on the type, stage, and location of cancer. Chemotherapy uses powerful medications to destroy cancer cells throughout the body, whilst targeted therapy focuses on specific proteins or genes that fuel cancer growth. Immunotherapy harnesses the body's own immune system to recognise and attack cancer cells, and hormone therapy blocks hormones that fuel certain types of cancer, particularly breast and prostate cancers.
Cancer medications work through different mechanisms, including disrupting cell division, blocking growth signals, cutting off blood supply to tumours, or enhancing immune responses. Early detection through regular screening programmes and prompt treatment planning significantly improve outcomes, with many Australians now living longer, healthier lives following a cancer diagnosis when treatment begins early.
Australian oncologists prescribe a wide range of chemotherapy medications, with many available through the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS), making treatment more accessible and affordable for patients. Commonly prescribed chemotherapy drugs include cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, paclitaxel, carboplatin, and newer agents like capecitabine and temozolomide.
Chemotherapy is administered in two primary ways: oral tablets or capsules that patients can take at home, and intravenous treatments delivered in hospital or clinic settings. Oral chemotherapy offers convenience and allows patients to maintain their daily routines, whilst IV treatments ensure precise dosing and immediate medical supervision.
These powerful medications work by targeting rapidly dividing cells, which is why they're effective against cancer but can also affect healthy cells that divide quickly, such as those in hair follicles and the digestive system. Most patients receive combination therapy, where multiple chemotherapy drugs are used together to attack cancer cells through different pathways, improving treatment effectiveness whilst potentially reducing the risk of resistance developing.
The PBS listing ensures that eligible Australian patients can access these life-saving medications at subsidised costs, with many treatments available for a standard co-payment regardless of the actual medication cost.
Australian pharmacies now stock an extensive range of modern targeted cancer treatments that represent a revolutionary approach to cancer care. These advanced medications work by specifically targeting cancer cells whilst minimising damage to healthy tissue, offering patients more precise treatment options than ever before.
For breast cancer patients, targeted therapies such as trastuzumab and pertuzumab are available for HER2-positive cases, whilst hormone receptor-positive breast cancers may benefit from CDK4/6 inhibitors like palbociclib. Lung cancer treatment has been transformed with EGFR inhibitors including osimertinib and erlotinib, particularly effective for patients with specific genetic mutations. Blood cancer patients can access innovative treatments such as ibrutinib for certain lymphomas and leukaemias.
Immunotherapy drugs work by enhancing the body's natural immune response to fight cancer cells. These treatments, including checkpoint inhibitors, are increasingly available through Australian pharmacies following TGA approval. Personalised medicine approaches utilise genetic testing to determine the most suitable treatment pathway for individual patients, ensuring optimal therapeutic outcomes.
Unlike traditional chemotherapy that affects rapidly dividing cells throughout the body, targeted therapies focus on specific molecular targets found primarily in cancer cells. This precision approach often results in fewer side effects and improved quality of life during treatment, making these TGA-approved medications an increasingly popular choice for oncologists and patients across Australia.
Managing the side effects of cancer treatment is crucial for maintaining quality of life and ensuring patients can complete their therapeutic regimens. Australian pharmacies stock comprehensive ranges of supportive care medications designed to address the various challenges cancer patients face during their treatment journey.
Anti-nausea medications form a cornerstone of supportive cancer care, with options including:
Pain management solutions range from paracetamol and NSAIDs for mild discomfort to stronger opioid medications for severe cancer-related pain. Specialised medications like gabapentin may be prescribed for neuropathic pain caused by certain chemotherapy drugs.
White blood cell count support is provided through medications such as filgrastim, which stimulates the bone marrow to produce infection-fighting cells. Nutritional supplements, including high-dose vitamin D, B-complex vitamins, and specialised cancer support formulations, help maintain strength during treatment. Sleep aids and anxiety medications, carefully selected to avoid interactions with cancer treatments, support patients' mental health and rest quality throughout their treatment journey.
Hormone therapy plays a crucial role in treating hormone-sensitive breast and prostate cancers by blocking the body's natural hormones that fuel tumour growth. For breast cancer patients with oestrogen receptor-positive tumours, hormone therapy significantly reduces the risk of recurrence and improves survival rates. Similarly, prostate cancer patients benefit from androgen deprivation therapy, which targets testosterone production to slow cancer progression.
Australian pharmacies stock a comprehensive range of hormone therapy medications through the PBS. These include:
Hormone therapy typically involves extended treatment periods, often spanning five to ten years. Your oncologist will develop a personalised treatment schedule, with regular monitoring for effectiveness and side effects. Common side effects include hot flushes, fatigue, and bone density changes, which can be effectively managed through supportive medications and lifestyle modifications available through Australian healthcare providers.
The Australian healthcare system provides comprehensive access to cancer treatments through multiple pathways. Patients can obtain prescribed cancer medications through community pharmacies, hospital pharmacies, or specialised cancer treatment centres. Many cancer medications are subsidised through the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS), making treatments more affordable for Australian patients.
Medicare provides essential coverage for cancer consultations, diagnostic procedures, and hospital treatments. The PBS significantly reduces the cost of cancer medications, with most patients paying only the standard co-payment. Eligible patients may qualify for additional concessions or the PBS Safety Net, which provides further cost relief after reaching annual thresholds.
Australian pharmacies offer specialised services for cancer patients, including:
Extensive support networks are available through Cancer Council Australia, local cancer support groups, and healthcare facilities. Patients can access counselling services, nutritional guidance, and peer support programmes. Additionally, clinical trials offer access to cutting-edge treatments, with opportunities coordinated through major cancer centres across Australia.
