Aussie TV Legend Beats Rare Blood Cancer with Affordable Treatment

In a significant development for Australian healthcare, Aussie TV legend Sandy Roberts, 75, will now have access to affordable treatment for his rare blood cancer myeloma. Roberts, a beloved figure in Australian sports broadcasting, announced his myeloma diagnosis in 2023, revealing he had kept the shattering news secret for a year after being informed in 2022.

The former AFL commentator, who called over 1,100 games during his storied career, was diagnosed with myeloma after a fall at his home in May 2022. Roberts initially thought the issue was with his heart, but subsequent tests revealed the presence of the rare cancer in his blood. Myeloma is an incurable disease that can cost patients up to $500,000 for treatment.

However, this week's announcement that the drug Daratumumab will be added to the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) as a frontline therapy for myeloma patients has been a game-changer. Eligible patients will now pay just $31.60 per month, or $7 for concession card holders, for the immunotherapy treatment, which was previously priced at around $150,000 in the first year alone.

Roberts, who retired in 2019 after covering major sporting events like the Olympics and Australian Open, has been vocal about his journey, fronting a campaign to raise awareness about myeloma. He hopes this latest development will transform the lives of countless patients and their families across Australia.