OLYMPIA, Washington – January 8, 2024 – As Washington legislators convene for the new session, it is crucial for them to prioritize cancer patients and cancer care by assuring all residents have ready access to biomarker testing.
"Access to biomarker testing is about identifying the most effective treatment—which can save lives. It is the pathway to precision medicine, which can make all the difference in the outcome of a patient's cancer treatment," said Matt Helder, government relations director at ACS CAN. "In Washington, insurance coverage for biomarker testing lags behind scientific advancements. Every patient who needs it should have the chance to tap into this vital tool that paves the way for lifesaving treatments."
In cancer care, biomarkers are often used to help determine the best treatment for a patient. After a diagnosis, biomarker testing helps connect patients with the right treatment at the right time. This testing can rule out unnecessary or ineffective treatments, potentially saving costs and eliminating life-altering side effects.
It’s notable that biomarker testing is increasingly important to the treatment of conditions outside of the cancer space, like arthritis and other autoimmune conditions, organ and tissue transplant, and rare diseases. Research is happening in many other areas including Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and other neurological conditions, cardiology, and more.
Despite the enormous benefits, insurance coverage is failing to keep pace with innovations and advancements in biomarker testing and treatment. This leaves some patients with the decision of paying for these tests out-of-pocket or going without the information. As a result, not all communities are benefitting from the latest advancements in biomarker testing and precision medicine.
Communities of color, individuals with lower socioeconomic status, rural residents, and patients receiving care in non-academic medical centers are less likely to receive biomarker testing. Broadly, cancer is the leading cause of death nationwide among Hispanic/Latino people and Black/African American populations are dying from cancer at a rate disproportionate to White populations.
Without action to increase access to biomarker testing, existing disparities in cancer outcomes by race, ethnicity, income, and geography could increase.
ACS CAN volunteers look forward to meeting with lawmakers and urging them to pass this important legislation during ACS CAN’s Cancer Action Day at the Capitol in Olympia on Monday, February 5. ACS CAN encourages individuals, businesses and organizations that are interested in getting involved in the fight against cancer to visit https://www.fightcancer.org/states/washington.
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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.
