This week, New Jersey lawmakers approved legislation to improve access to biomarker testing with a unanimous vote by the Assembly Appropriations Committee. Assembly Bill 4163 now awaits a vote on the Assembly floor. The Senate advanced identical legislation (Senate Bill 3098) in the Senate Commerce Committee last week, which now awaits further consideration by the Senate Budget & Appropriations Committee. Advocates with the New Jersey Biomarker Testing Coalition are hopeful that the bills will receive the necessary support to secure swift passage in the new year.
Biomarker testing has become a game-changing part of patient care given its role in opening the door to precision medicine treatments that can lead to improved survivorship and quality of life. Two breast cancer survivors were present at the Assembly Appropriations Committee to concretize how biomarker testing positively informs patient outcomes.
31-year-old Victoria Ramirez is a month shy of the one-year anniversary of being declared “cancer free,” a milestone she reached after an intense battle with stage II triple negative breast cancer. Biomarker testing was critical in connecting Ramirez to a chemotherapy regimen designed for triple negative breast cancer patients that helped eradicate her disease.
“Biomarker testing gave my doctors the information they needed to prescribe a treatment plan that was right for me. Without this testing, my path might have been very different,” said Ramirez. “Biomarker testing isn’t just about precision medicine—it’s about hope. It provides patients and their families with a roadmap, helping them face an uncertain future with the knowledge that their treatment is tailored to their unique needs.”
Ramirez was joined by 35-year-old Jeanelle Adams, who also credits biomarker testing with connecting her to lifesaving treatments for her stage III triple negative breast cancer diagnosis.
“Facing a cancer diagnosis is terrifying. When I was diagnosed, I was scared that I wouldn’t survive to be there for my little girl, my husband and our families. But I was fortunate that my care team recommended biomarker testing. The results allowed my doctors to tailor a treatment plan specifically for me, and today, I’m in remission,” said Adams. “As woman of color who has navigated many barriers to health care throughout my life, I know how critical it is to prioritize access to resources such as biomarker testing. If we don’t act to expand coverage, especially as medical innovation advances, then we run the risk of exacerbating existing disparities. I am glad Assembly Appropriations Committee members share this concern and hope their colleagues act to reduce inequities in the new year by supporting Assembly Bill 4163 / Senate Bill 3098.”
For more information on precision medicine, cancer biomarkers, current barriers to biomarker testing and ACS CAN’s policy recommendations, visit: www.fightcancer.org/biomarkers.
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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.
