Geelong mum fights for free breast cancer diagnostic tests

A Geelong mother who faced a large out-of-pocket bill for breast cancer diagnostic scans is campaigning to make the tests free, launching a petition after her own experience revealed gaps in the healthcare system.

Three weeks after finishing gruelling breast cancer treatment and surgery, Geelong mother Aimee Glen is taking up a new fight – campaigning to make diagnostic scans free.

In September 2024, at age 31, Ms Glen found a lump in her breast.

She was immediately referred by her GP to Geelong Breast Clinic.

“I was quoted for, just the ultrasound, but it was kind of a shock how expensive it was,” Ms Glen said.

During the appointment concerns were raised and an ultrasound, another mammogram and biopsy was required.

She said she wasn’t told of any additional costs, with the final bill totalling an “astronomical” $1442.

“On the day I got a rebate of $125, and then I had to wait five days from Medicare for the rest to be rebated. And I was still $789 out of pocket,” she said.

The mother of two was diagnosed with stage two breast cancer.

“I had 16 rounds of chemo before my surgery, and then after surgery, I had 15 rounds of daily radiation,” she said.

Breast cancer survivor Aimee Glen is on a mission to make diagnostic ultrasounds and mammograms free. Picture: supplied.

“My story, fortunately, had a positive outcome because I was able to get tested early, yet it concerns me deeply when I think of other young women who may not be so fortunate.”

Currently, women over 40 are entitled to free breast screening, with those over 50 invited for screenings.

However, if symptoms manifest and a referral is needed, there is a cost.

On average, an ultrasound costs about $600, and if further tests like a mammogram or a biopsy are needed, costs can climb.

“It’s a daunting prospect considering the current cost of living, which pushes many women to avoid early testing altogether. This can lead to later diagnoses, which in turn, worsen prognosis significantly.

“Breast cancer, when caught early, has a much higher survival rate, yet financial barriers stand in the way of timely and necessary diagnoses,” Ms Glen said.

After being diagnosed, the primary school teacher had to cutback her working hours to accommodate the gruelling treatment.

“For me, it was a massive payment I had to make. And then within weeks, I had to reduce my workload,” she said.

“I’ve tried to keep a positive outlook across this whole journey.

“It’s opened my eyes to holes in the healthcare system.”

Aimee Glen with her children Elyse and Toby. Aimee has just finished chemo/ cancer treatment. She is running a petition for free breast cancer scans – after if cost more than $1000 to get diagnosed. Picture: Alan Barber

According to Cancer Australia, more than 21,000 women and men were diagnosed with breast cancer in 2024.

Lake Imaging General Manager Tania Armstrong, who runs Geelong Breast Clinic (GBC), said diagnostic scans required specialised technology.

She said Medicare rebates were minimal and hadn’t increased significantly in 20 years.

“This usually doesn’t cover the costs of providing the full service, including the specialised reporting from a breast specialised radiologist and specialised support staff,” she said.

While public hospitals proved the service, wait lists are long.

Ms Armstrong said GBC provides a payment program and compassionate bulk billing in some cases.

“We are empathetic and very conscious of the burden of costs of healthcare.”

She “absolutely” supports more government funding for diagnostic tests to reduce the costs to patients.A Department of Health spokesperson said a review of Medicare-funded diagnostic imaging services, including breast imaging items, was underway.

“The government is committed to ensuring all women can access essential care.”

Ms Glen launched the ‘Make Diagnostic Ultrasounds and Mammograms Free’ petition, which has more than 600 signatures.

“This initiative is crucial. It would not only alleviate the financial burden but also encourage more women to undergo early testing, potentially saving many lives,” she said.

It can be found on the change.org website.

Originally published as Geelong mum fights for free breast cancer diagnostic tests