Access to life saving treatments is a critical part of improving outcomes for people affected by breast cancer. In 2025, several important updates to Australia’s Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) are expanding access to new and existing breast cancer medicines, giving patients more treatment options, earlier intervention opportunities, and significantly reduced out of pocket costs.

These updates include the listing of new targeted therapies, expanded eligibility for proven medicines, and clearer prescribing pathways to ensure patients can access the right treatment at the right time. Encouragingly, the 2025 to 26 Federal Budget also outlines multiple new and expanded PBS listings for cancer treatments, including Olaparib for HER2 negative metastatic breast cancer, strengthening access to personalised therapies for eligible patients.

Looking ahead, affordability will continue to improve. From 1 January 2026, PBS co payments will be further reduced, making all listed medicines including breast cancer treatments even more accessible for Australian patients and families.

Below is a snapshot of the key PBS updates for breast cancer in 2025 and what they mean for patients, clinicians and the broader community.

Olaparib listed for metastatic BRCA-mutated breast cancer (January, 2025)

Patients with inherited BRCA mutations can access personalised treatment that targets cancer at a genetic level, improving outcomes while reducing out-of-pocket costs.

Kisqali expanded for high-risk early breast cancer (July, 2025)

High-risk early breast cancer patients can now access a proven treatment that significantly reduces the risk of cancer returning, at an affordable PBS cost.

Abemaciclib criteria update (August, 2025)

Updated prescribing rules improve clarity and consistency, helping eligible patients access treatment more efficiently.

Truqap listed for advanced/metastatic breast cancer (October, 2025)

People with advanced hormone-driven breast cancer now have access to a new targeted therapy that can slow disease progression and extend treatment options.

PBAC recommends Tucatinib + Veoza (December, 2025)

This recommendation paves the way for improved access to a highly effective treatment (Tucatinib) for people with advanced HER2-positive breast cancer. Veoza provides a non-hormonal option to safely manage severe menopause symptoms for breast cancer survivors.