Earlier today, cancer survivors, medical professionals and patient advocates from across Delaware convened in Dover at Legislative Hall as a part of ‘Delaware Advocacy Day.’ The main focus of Advocacy Day, which was hosted by the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) and the Alzheimer’s Association (ALZ), was for volunteers to connect directly with legislators and ask for their support of Senate Bill 120, a bipartisan proposal to improve Delawareans’ access to biomarker testing.
Biomarker testing blows the door wide open for present and future treatment options for diseases like cancer and Alzheimer’s as well as ALS, preeclampsia, Parkinson’s and many other conditions. By identifying the unique characteristics of a patient’s disease, biomarker testing enables providers to tailor therapies to the individual’s specific disease, crafting a treatment plan aimed at improving outcomes and quality of life.
Earlier this year in his budget address, Governor Meyer identified biomarker testing access as a priority for his administration. He visited with advocates today to hear firsthand why removing barriers to this vital tool is essential to patients and the health care and equity landscape in Delaware. Advocates from both ACS CAN and ALZ are hopeful that state lawmakers join the governor in prioritizing expanded access to biomarker testing through SB 120.
Among the advocates who are asking lawmakers to improve biomarker testing access was Darcy Burbage, an oncology clinical nurse specialist who helps maintain the Oncology Nursing Society Biomarker Database. She shares how biomarker testing changed the trajectory for one of her patients.
“Because of biomarker testing, a patient that I cared for was able to access a targeted therapy specifically designed to treat the variant identified by testing. Within weeks, her symptoms improved and two years later, she is working, spending time with her family and continuing to receive treatment tailored to her,” said Darcy. “Expanding insurance coverage of biomarker testing helps ensures more patients receive the individualized care they deserve.”
Lance Kilpatrick, government relations director for ACS CAN in Delaware, noted that state lawmakers were highly receptive to the advocates’ points.
“Ensuring that more Delawareans have access to proven biomarker testing means more patients facing cancer and other chronic diseases will have the information they need to identify the best treatments available,” said Kilpatrick. “Many legislators signaled strong interest today, and we’re optimistic about bipartisan support for SB 120.”
If Delaware passes SB 120, it will become the 23rd state to expand access to biomarker testing. Each of Delaware’s neighboring states have taken this step.
# # #
About ACS CAN
The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) advocates for evidence-based public policies to reduce the cancer burden for everyone. We engage our volunteers across the country to make their voices heard by policymakers at every level of government. We believe everyone should have a fair and just opportunity to prevent, detect, treat, and survive cancer. Since 2001, as the American Cancer Society’s nonprofit, nonpartisan advocacy affiliate, ACS CAN has successfully advocated for billions of dollars in cancer research funding, expanded access to quality affordable health care, and advanced proven tobacco control measures. We stand with our volunteers, working to make cancer a top priority for policymakers in cities, states and our nation’s capital. Join the fight by visiting www.fightcancer.org.
