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The disparities in access to life-saving treatments across borders can feel deeply unjust. Living with stage 4 breast cancer in Australia, I was relieved when Enhertu, a drug offering hope to those with certain forms of the disease, became available here on 1 September. However, after speaking with Jeannie Ambrose, a woman living with stage 4 breast cancer in England, I am struck by the harsh reality that this same treatment remains out of reach for many in the UK. 

Understanding the Diagnosis: Jeannie’s Journey with Stage 4 Breast Cancer 

Jeannie Ambrose lives in Cambridgeshire, England. Before her diagnosis, life was full with her husband and children, balancing the usual demands of family life and work.. Like many, she was proactive about her health, checking regularly for any signs of concern. But cancer has a way of sneaking in unexpectedly. 

Her diagnosis of stage 4 breast cancer—referred to as de novo when it’s diagnosed as metastatic from the start—flipped her world upside down. Within a matter of weeks, Jeannie was confronted with the reality of a life-limiting disease. But her story doesn’t end there, and the implications of not having access to Enhertu are all too real for her and others in the UK, especially when neighbouring Scotland already has access. 

Why the Fight for Access to Enhertu Matters 

Enhertu has been a game-changer for those with HER2-low breast cancer, which is a more recently recognised subset of the disease. It offers patients living with this specific diagnosis a chance at extending their lives. While Australian patients now have access to this drug, women and men in England—like Jeannie—are still denied this treatment. 

When Jeannie first learned about Enhertu, it brought a sense of hope that something existed beyond her current treatments. But that hope was quickly dashed when the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) decided not to approve the drug for those with HER2-low breast cancer in England. This decision, largely based on cost evaluations, left many patients without access to a treatment that could extend their lives. 

The Emotional Toll of Inequality in Treatment Access 

What stood out most in my conversation with Jeannie was how deeply personal and painful it is to face this kind of inequality. We both live with stage 4 breast cancer, yet if I discover mine is HER2-low my chances of accessing life-prolonging treatment are higher simply because I live in Australia. For Jeannie, the knowledge that a treatment exists but is withheld is devastating. It’s not just about prolonging life—it’s about living well for the time that remains. 

When living with a condition like stage 4 breast cancer, each new development in treatment provides a lifeline, a way to hope for more time, and more good days. The refusal to make Enhertu available in England isn’t just a bureaucratic decision—it’s a decision that affects real people, their families, and their futures. 

Enhertu: What Is It and Who Benefits? 

For those unfamiliar, Enhertu is a targeted therapy designed to treat breast cancer patients who are HER2-low. HER2 is a protein that can affect the growth of cancer cells, and until recently, treatments have mostly focused on patients with high levels of this protein. However, research now shows that even those with low levels of HER2 can benefit from Enhertu. 

In Australia, patients with Her2-low will now have access to this life-extending treatment, which provides a sense of relief in the face of an uncertain future. But the decision by NICE to deny access to patients in England means that women like Jeannie face a much bleaker reality. 

The Personal Is Political: Why We Should Care 

As Australians, we often feel removed from the healthcare decisions made in other countries, but this is about more than just borders. It’s about fairness and humanity. England and Australia have long been tied by history and cooperation, but in this instance, we are far from equal. The fact that geography can determine access to life-saving treatment is deeply troubling. 

Jeannie could be any one of us, or our sister, daughter, or friend. This isn’t just England’s problem—it’s a global one. As the availability of treatments like Enhertu continues to differ from country to country, it’s crucial to raise awareness and advocate for those who don’t yet have access. 

Instagram Post @jambeannie 

How You Can Help: Taking Action 

Listening to Jeannie’s story reminds us that we all have a role to play. Awareness and advocacy are powerful tools in pushing for change. If you have friends, family, or colleagues in the UK, share this story and encourage them to support campaigns like those from Breast Cancer Now, which is fighting to overturn NICE’s decision. 

Visit Breast Cancer Now’s website to learn more about the Enhertu campaign and how you can help. Together, we can pressure governments and institutions to reassess their decisions and offer this treatment to all who need it, regardless of where they live. 

Final Thoughts 

Access to life-extending treatments like Enhertu should not depend on where you live. It’s not just a matter of policy—it’s a matter of fairness and humanity. For women like Jeannie and countless others, time is precious, and the opportunity to live longer, healthier lives should be available to all. 

As Australians, we are fortunate to have access to this treatment, but we shouldn’t stop there. Let’s raise our voices for those who don’t have the same opportunity. Because when it comes to matters of life and death, borders shouldn’t dictate who gets to live. 

Show Resources:

• Follow Jeannie Ambrose on Instagram
• Visit Breast Cancer Now to support the Enhertu campaign in the UK.
• Follow @thetittygritty for updates on the fight for access to Enhertu.