Ms Ley announced the 2015-16 Budget would list new drugs to help Australians fight melanoma, breast cancer and blindness on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS).

UnitingCare Health Executive Director Richard Royle, the Wesley’s General Manager Ann Maguire and Director of Medical Services Dr Luis Prado escorted the Minister on a tour of the Wesley’s Breast Clinic.

From left: Health Minister Sussan Ley, Dr Lisa Erzetich, Breast Cancer Network Australia’s Kathy Wells, Richard Royle, and Ann Maguire.

During the tour Wesley Breast Clinic Director Dr Lisa Erzetich explained some of the technologically advanced approaches to the diagnosis and treatment of breast disease.

“Treatment advances, including new drugs, is important but the other side of the coin is early detection,” Dr Erzetich said.

“Finding the breast cancer when it is small and confined to the breast significantly impacts the quality of life people have after a treatment for breast cancer.”

Dr Prado said demand for the hospital’s services is growing with some 2,000 women choosing to come to the Wesley for breast cancer treatment in 2014, and more than 23,000 women attending the Wesley Breast Clinic for screening and diagnostic assessment each year.

“The Wesley Hospital has been the leader in Queensland in the provision of seamless care for people with breast cancer from diagnosis through to treatment for more than 32 years,” he said.