Geelong Mum’s Cancer Test Costs Spark Petition Push

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When Aimee Glen, a 31-year-old mother from Geelong, Victoria, discovered a lump in her breast, it marked the beginning of an expensive and stressful journey. What began as a simple ultrasound soon escalated into a series of diagnostic tests, leaving her with a medical bill she hadn’t anticipated.

Glen visited her GP immediately and was referred to the Geelong Breast Clinic for an ultrasound. While initially quoted $600, with a Medicare rebate of about $300, she was later informed she owed $1442 for a series of urgent follow-up tests, including a mammogram and a biopsy.

“I wasn’t prepared,” Glen said. “I had to call my husband to transfer the money while standing at the reception desk.” Despite Medicare rebates, she was still left $787 out of pocket.

While women over 40 in Australia are entitled to free screening mammograms, diagnostic testing often involves significant costs. Public system options exist but come with long wait times, in Glen’s case, around three months.

A day after the tests, she received her diagnosis: stage two breast cancer. She underwent chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation treatment. Now, six weeks after completing treatment, Glen is advocating for change.

“I started a petition because too many people are saying they can’t afford these tests,” she explained. Her Change.org petition has gained close to 20,000 signatures, calling for the government to make diagnostic testing for breast cancer free or, at the very least, more affordable.

Tania Armstrong, General Manager of the Geelong Breast Clinic, said the costs reflect the high quality of equipment and skilled professionals involved. “Medicare rebates have barely increased in 20 years. They no longer reflect the actual cost of care,” Armstrong said. The clinic offers flexible payment plans for those struggling financially.

“Early detection saves lives,” she added. “Delays due to cost can impact treatment outcomes.”

The Department of Health acknowledged that while Medicare sets rebates, practitioners are free to set their fees. A government review of Medicare-funded diagnostic imaging services, including breast imaging, is currently underway.

Glen hopes the review leads to meaningful change. “These are critical tests. Women shouldn’t have to choose between early diagnosis and financial strain.”