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 enacted: AZ, AR*, CA, CO*, CT, DE, FL**, GA, IL, IN, IA, KY, LA*, MD, MN, MS, NE^, NJ, NM, NY, OK, PA, RI, TN**, TX
Legislation introduced in 2026: HI, MA, ME, NH, NC, OH, VT, WA * Private plans only **Public plans only ^Nebraska law applies to a limited list of diseases and conditions
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.
JACKSON, Miss. – September 16, 2026 – Mississippi state Rep . Sam Creekmore and state Sen. Walter Michel received the National Distinguished Advocacy Award this week, the most prestigious award presented by the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN), in recognition of their significant contribution in
Governor Matt Meyer signed legislation requiring state-regulated health insurance plans, including Medicaid, in Delaware to cover medically appropriate biomarker testing, helping improve access to precision medicine that can guide treatment decisions.
RALEIGH, N.C. – The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) advocates for evidence-based policies that reduce the cancer burden. As the North Carolina legislature prepares to return to the General Assembly next week, ACS CAN urges the Senate to pass House Bill 567 to increase access to biomarker
RALEIGH, N.C. – June 30, 2026 – With days left to act in the legislative session, cancer advocates urgently call on North Carolina lawmakers to pass legislation improving access to biomarker testing. The following statement can be attributed to American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) North Carolina Grassroots
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.
Biomarker testing is becoming increasingly important for cancer care because it connects the right patient, to the right treatment, at the right time, however insurance coverage of testing varies widely.