Biomarker testing is key to unlocking precision medicine.
Biomarkers are often used to help determine the best treatment for a patient, but not all communities are benefitting from the latest advancements in biomarker testing and precision medicine.
Progress in improving cancer outcomes increasingly involves the use of precision medicine. Biomarker testing is an important step for accessing precision medicine including targeted therapies that can lead to improved survivorship and better quality of life for cancer patients. But without action to expand coverage of and access to biomarker testing, advances in precision medicine could increase existing disparities in cancer outcomes by race, ethnicity, income, and geography.
ACS CAN is working to expand insurance coverage of comprehensive biomarker testing.
Legislation introduced: CA, MN, NY, OH, WA Legislation passed: AZ, IL, LA, RI
Biomarker testing helps ensure cancer patients get the right treatment at the right time.
It allows doctors to precisely target a specific cancer so patients may not have to undergo more generalized treatments like chemo and radiation that may not work as well for them.
Biomarker testing is the latest advanced in cancer research that is personal to the patient and their cancer, helping ensure patients get the right treatment at the right time.
ATLANTA, GA – January 31, 2023 – Today, Rep. Sharon Cooper filed a bill (HB85) that will allow more Georgians to receive biomarker testing – a routine step in accessing personalized medicine treatments that has become an increasingly important part of cancer care in recent
ALBANY, NY – JANUARY 19, 2023 – Last week the American Cancer Society (ACS) released their annual report “Cancer Facts and Figures” projecting cancer’s impact in 2023. Released in time for Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, the 2023 report estimates that around 850 New Yorkers will be diagnosed with cervical cancer
PHILADELPHIA, PA – JANUARY 18, 2023 – Last week the American Cancer Society (ACS) released their annual report “Cancer Facts and Figures” projecting cancer’s impact in 2023. Released in time for Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, the 2023 report estimates that around 510 Pennsylvanians will be diagnosed with cervical cancer and
OLYMPIA, WA. – As lawmakers dive into the 2023 legislative session, the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) urges state lawmakers to prioritize legislation that ensures biomarker testing is appropriately covered by more insurance plans, including Apple Health, which will ease the burden of cancer on Washington residents.
Cancer biomarker testing can lead to targeted therapy which can improve survival and quality of life by connecting patients to the most beneficial treatment for their disease.
Pharmacogenomic (PGx) testing is a component of precision medicine that involves examining a patient’s inherited genes to detect variations that may impact the way a drug is broken down, absorbed and used within the body.