When I was diagnosed with early-stage, ER-positive breast cancer, I was filled with fear and a flood of difficult decisions. One critical tool, the EndoPredict test, could have provided essential insights into my prognosis and the necessity of chemotherapy. However, due to its prohibitive cost, I wasn't able to access this vital test. Like far too many Australians, I was unable to afford a potentially life-altering piece of my medical puzzle.

EndoPredict is a precision 12-gene genomic test, processed right here in Australia. It is tailored for women just like me who are navigating the terrifying waters of breast cancer, providing much-needed clarity on whether one needs to undergo chemotherapy. According to Breast Cancer Network Australia, genomic testing can significantly impact treatment choices, potentially improving outcomes and quality of life.

Yet, despite its importance, the cost remains a barrier for many patients. With EndoPredict costing up to several thousand dollars out-of-pocket, this diagnostic tool is not accessible to all who need it. This financial hurdle means that many women are left to make uninformed decisions about their treatment, which no one facing breast cancer should endure.

By urging the Australian government to bulk bill EndoPredict, we have the opportunity to eliminate this barrier and ensure that every woman has access to comprehensive care. Bulk billing this test would mean that patients are not left with an agonizing cost choice, focusing their energy instead on their treatment and recovery.

We call upon the government and health policymakers to consider the real impact that accessible genomic testing can have on breast cancer care. Let's strive to make our healthcare system fair and equitable, reflecting the values of compassion and support that define our nation.

Please sign this petition and help make EndoPredict a universally accessible choice for all Australian women facing the daunting challenge of breast cancer treatment decisions. Together, we can push for a healthcare system that serves everyone, regardless of their financial situation

Statistics 

Approximately70% to 75%
 of all breast cancer cases diagnosed each year in Australia are estrogen receptor-positive (ER+). 
Total annual cases: Over 20,000 new cases of breast cancer are diagnosed annually in Australia.
ER+ proportion: Roughly 70% of these tumors test positive for estrogen receptors (making them a subset of hormone receptor-positive or HR+ breast cancers).

There is no publicly available data specifying the exact number of EndoPredict tests performed annually across Australia, as commercial laboratories like Australian Clinical Labs (ACL) do not publicly report their annual testing volume. [1]

However, we can estimate its use and availability based on recent health system changes:

Medicare Funding: EndoPredict became accessible via the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS Item 73306). Eligible patients receive a partial rebate of $1,095.50 towards the $2,600 upfront cost, substantially increasing its national adoption rate compared to fully out-of-pocket alternatives like Oncotype DX. 
Target Population: The test is highly targeted. It is only utilized for patients diagnosed with early-stage ER+, HER2- primary breast cancer who meet strict clinical "intermediate risk" criteria (such as specific tumor sizes or minimal lymph node involvement)