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Access to Biomarker Testing Press Releases

February 11, 2025

New Report Reveals Progress Lagging in Pancreatic Cancer

Last month, the American Cancer Society (ACS) released its annual report on cancer facts and trends, which found that, between 2017 and 2021, New Jersey had the highest incidence of pancreatic cancer behind D.C. It also found that progress is lagging for pancreatic cancer with incidence and mortality both increasing, and the 5-year survival for 9 out of 10 people diagnosed with tumors in the exocrine pancreas sitting at just 8%. Despite the concerning data, local pancreatic cancer survivor Nick Pifani is optimistic and views a path forward, in part through expanded access to biomarker testing. He is calling on leaders to help to improve access to biomarker testing when Assembly Bill 4163 / Senate Bill 3098 come under consideration.

January 17, 2025

New Study Shows Cancer Rates Rising in Women; Advocates Urge Hawaii State Lawmakers to Support Cancer Fight in 2025

HONOLULU – A new report from the American Cancer Society (ACS) released Thursday shows cancer diagnoses are now higher in women compared to men, revealing a shift in the burden of the disease. The report highlights and presents an opportunity for Hawaii State Lawmakers to work with the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) to support cancer prevention, treatment, and access to care during the 2025 legislative session.  

January 15, 2025

Governor Murphy Sets Sights on Affordability Concerns in 2025, Advocates Applaud & Urge Lawmakers to Prioritize Patients across Cancer Continuum

The following is a statement from American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) New Jersey Government Relations Director Quinton Law:

“As anybody touched by the disease can tell you, cancer demands a high price. Physically, emotionally and financially, it is a draining disease where the costs can—very quickly—feel insurmountable. This is the case for patients across the cancer continuum. New Jerseyans are looking for state leaders to intervene and prevent the costs of care from trending upward and potentially trapping them in a lifetime of medical debt. Cancer patients and survivors throughout the state were heartened to hear Governor Murphy isolate affordability as a priority in his State of the State address. In the coming year, ACS CAN urges lawmakers to focus their efforts on three areas to alleviate the financial burden of disease, starting with preventing illness for a group of New Jerseyans at heightened risk of cancer: Atlantic City casino workers.

January 8, 2025

Mother, Daughter Survive Cancer & Send Message to Lawmakers: Reduce the Burden of Cancer in New Jersey

Two years after Ocean City local Jeanmarie Mason’s breast cancer returned and spread to her bones, her daughter Julie Groob also experienced a recurrence of her cervical cancer, bringing the two closer together than ever and uniting them in the fight against cancer. As volunteers with the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN), Jeanmarie and Julie were among key voices in securing a medical debt relief victory in 2024. The pair are approaching the legislative session in 2025 eager to share their stories and advance critical proposals to limit the burden of disease across the cancer continuum.

January 7, 2025

Advocates Set Sights on Improving Access to Cancer Prevention & Detection, Reducing Burden of Disease for PA Patients in 2025

The following is a statement from American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) Pennsylvania Government Relations Director Donna Greco:

“In 2024, ACS CAN was proud to see the Pennsylvania Legislature mobilize swiftly and in a bipartisan manner to bring the promise of precision medicine to more patients. Beginning in the new year, Act 39 of 2024 will make it so that all patients who can benefit and are insured through a state-regulated health plan will receive coverage for biomarker testing, a game changer in the fight against cancer and an essential step in accessing precision medicine treatments. Pennsylvanians also secured a victory for access to care through Act 42 of 2024, the newly enacted legislation that includes telemedicine as a covered benefit in the Commonwealth.