I want to personally start and thank you for taking time today to see what information is here for you. I hope that you can find what you need or the path to it. I encourage any patients to assess if they are emotionally ready to read the information available on this site. It can be confronting. It shocked me in my research. Give to a loved one let them read for you to filter out what isn’t necessary or relevant to you diagnosis or treatment. Information here is not meant to upset. It’s to shock people not yet exposed to cancer in to thought. 💭 What if it was them or someone they love. In my partner’s and my journey we have laughed, cried more then I care to ever and everything between. But never once has she ever doubted that no stone will be left unturned. I owe it to my children that I did all I could. But that also includes you. Help me by spreading the word to those that need it. Forward to loved ones. People have the power and If we knock at their door long enough they’ll have to let us in. :
The post-COVID era presents an opportunity to build on lessons learned during the pandemic, particularly in accelerating drug approvals, improving healthcare accessibility, and fostering innovation. Repurposing existing drugs is a cost-effective and time-efficient strategy to address unmet medical needs, including cancer treatment. Below are examples of actions the Australian government could take to facilitate the approval of repurposed drugs by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), secure necessary funding, and implement broader health strategies:
In 1996, cancer was the second leading cause of death and potential years of life lost in Queensland. The most common cancers were breast cancer (females), prostate cancer (males), and lung cancer (leading cause of death for males). Fast forward to 2023, cancer remains a significant public health issue globally and in Queensland, but advancements in prevention, early detection, and treatment have altered the landscape significantly.
| Cancer Type | 1996 Data (Queensland) | 2023 Data (Global/Queensland) | Key Trends |
|---|---|---|---|
| Breast Cancer | Most common cancer in females; stable mortality | Incidence increased; mortality decreased | Advances in mammography screening and targeted therapies (e.g., HER2 drugs). |
| Prostate Cancer | Most common in males; increasing incidence | Incidence stabilized; mortality decreased | PSA testing controversies led to refined screening guidelines. |
| Lung Cancer | Leading cause of death in males; rising in females | Mortality declining with immunotherapy advances | Decline in smoking prevalence; targeted therapies (e.g., EGFR inhibitors). |
| Colorectal Cancer | High incidence and mortality | Declining incidence and mortality | Increased colonoscopy screening and removal of precancerous polyps. |
| Melanoma | High incidence; stable mortality | Incidence plateaued; mortality decreased | Public awareness campaigns and early detection efforts. |
+---------------+---------------------+---------------------+
| Year | Incidence Rate | Mortality Rate |
+---------------+---------------------+---------------------+
| 1996 | 528.9 (M), 366.4 (F)| 231.1 (M), 135.0 (F)|
| 2023 | ~600 (M), ~450 (F) | ~180 (M), ~90 (F) |
+---------------+---------------------+---------------------+
Note: These are approximate values based on global trends.
| Cancer Type | 5-Year Survival Rate (1996) | 5-Year Survival Rate (2023) |
|---|---|---|
| Breast Cancer | ~75% | >90% |
| Prostate Cancer | ~65% | >95% |
| Lung Cancer | ~15% | ~25%-30% |
| Colorectal Cancer | ~55% | ~70% |
| Melanoma | ~85% | >95% |