Dr Carl June: Advances in the fight against cancer

Written and accurate as at: 14 September 2020

Cancer affects a large number of Australians, directly and indirectly. According to a paper* regarding the prevalence, incidence, risk and cost burden of cancer in Australia:

  • There are 380 new cancer diagnoses per day; 40% of these people are aged 25-64.
  • The average lifetime cost of cancer is $126,280 for those aged 15-64 (cancer sufferers).
  • 5-year survival rates for cancer can range from 16% (lung cancer) to 95% (prostate cancer).
  • Anticancer drugs not on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) can cost ≥$5,000 per month.
  • 1 in 3 men and 1 in 4 women will be affected by (diagnosed with) some type of cancer before age 75.

In this TED Talk, Dr Carl June discusses a ground-breaking treatment method in the fight against cancer (leukaemia, and potentially other types of cancer)—CAR T-cell therapy.

*Zurich. (2018). The cost of care: The missing link in strategic financial advice equation. Health Research Whitepaper.