Expand Access to Biomarker Testing in Pennsylvania

Welcome!

Biomarker testing helps connect patients with the right treatment at the right time. ACS CAN and partners are working together to make sure more Pennsylvanians can benefit from this important testing.

What is Biomarker Testing?

• In cancer care, biomarkers are often used to help determine the best treatment for a patient.
• A “biomarker” is a sign of a normal biological process, disease or abnormal function that can be measured in blood, tissue or bodily fluid. 
• Biomarker testing is the analysis of a patient’s tissue, blood or other biospecimen for the presence of a biomarker.

Hear from Lisa about how biomarker testing put her on the path to recovery

Policy action needed to ensure more Pennsylvanians benefit.

• Not all communities are benefiting from the latest advancements in biomarker testing and precision medicine.
  
  • Communities that have been excluded, including communities of color, individuals with lower socioeconomic status, rural communities, and those receiving care in non-academic medical centers are less likely to receive biomarker testing.
  • Improving coverage for and access to biomarker testing across insurance types is key to reducing health disparities.
• Insurance coverage for biomarker testing is failing to keep pace with innovations and advancements in treatment.
  • Without action to expand coverage and access to biomarker testing, advances in precision medicine could increase existing disparities in cancer outcomes by race, ethnicity, income, and geography.

Raise your voice!

• Sign our petition

• Contact your lawmaker to ask for their support 

Key Resources:

• Pennsylvania Specific Fact Sheet

• General Biomarker Testing Fact Sheet

• Types of Biomarker Testing

• Biomarker Testing Costs and Savings

• Patient Profiles (www.fightcancer.org/biomarkerprofiles)

• Policy Reports

• Pharmacogenomic (PGx) Testing fact Sheet

• Non-Oncology Biomarker Testing

• National Coalition Partners

Videos:

• 2 Minute Animated Explainer Video

• Share your story with us!