In this podcast, we explore the growing role of genetic testing in prostate cancer, and what recent changes in Australian law mean for patients and families.
Genetic testing is becoming an increasingly important part of prostate cancer care, helping guide treatment decisions, identify inherited risk, and enable earlier detection for family members. However, access to testing in Australia remains inconsistent, with no unified national framework and public funding largely limited to late-stage disease.
At the same time, concerns about how genetic information could be used - particularly in life insurance - have been a longstanding barrier for many people considering testing. Australia has now introduced new legislation to ban the use of genetic test results in life insurance underwriting, marking a significant step forward in protecting patients and improving confidence in testing.
Hosted by global moderator and cancer survivor Katie Clift, this session brings together Professor Haitham Tuffaha, a PCFA-funded researcher and health economist, and Doctor Jane Tiller, a leading expert in genetic discrimination and health law.
This discussion will help patients and families better understand what genetic testing involves, what the latest evidence shows, and why there is a growing call for national reform to ensure all Australians can benefit from advances in prostate cancer care.
For more information and support, please call 1800 22 00 99 or visit prostate.org.au.
HOST
Katie Clift
Director of International Public Relations Agency maybe, Global Moderator, Speaker & Breast Cancer Survivor
Katie Clift is Director of may:be, an international counter-cultural public relations agency. An MBA scholar of Warwick Business School. Katie has worked internationally on both sides of communications – in the media (radio, television & digital journalism) and as a PR, spokesperson, and corporate affairs executive - for both the private and public sectors. She has a decade of experience as a moderator, presenting sessions, interviews and press conferences globally, from the World Economic Forum in Davos to the Union for International Cancer Control’s World Cancer Congress and various in-person and online events. Katie was diagnosed with aggressive breast cancer in her 30s, and after 18 months of active treatment, returned to life and work more determined than ever to advocate for people affected by all types of cancer, and upscale communications for nonprofits globally.
EXPERT GUESTS
Professor Haitham Tuffaha, Health Economist and PCFA-funded Researcher, The University of Queensland
Professor Haitham Tuffaha is a health economist and research leader at The University of Queensland, where he leads the Effective and Efficient Healthcare program and Health Technology Assessment activities at the Centre for the Business and Economics of Health. His work focuses on the economic evaluation of health interventions to inform decision-making and support value-based healthcare.
He leads a major research programme on prostate cancer genetic testing in Australia, examining who should be tested, when, and how, with a focus on improving access, equity and value across the health system. His research has highlighted the need for clearer national guidance and demonstrated the clinical and economic benefits of earlier testing and cascade testing for families.
Professor Tuffaha has extensive experience working with clinicians, consumers and policymakers, and has led major national research initiatives funded by the NHMRC, MRFF and ARC.
Doctor Jane Tiller, Legal and Ethical Expert in Genomics
Doctor Jane Tiller is a lawyer, genetic counsellor and public health researcher based at Monash University. She is an Ethical, Legal and Social Adviser in Public Health Genomics and a leading expert on the ethical and regulatory implications of genetic testing. Her work focuses on improving equitable access to genomic medicine and addressing the risks of genetic discrimination. She co-founded the Australian Genetic Non-Discrimination Working Group and has led national research and advocacy efforts to reform the use of genetic information in life insurance.
