CARSON CITY – APRIL 12, 2023 – Dozens of cancer patients, survivors, and caregivers met with members of the Nevada State Legislature in Carson City Wednesday. The meetings were part of the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network’s (ACS CAN) ‘Cancer Action Day’ which is held annually at the state capitol. Volunteers asked lawmakers to support Assembly Bill 155 which, if enacted, would expand access to biomarker testing in Nevada.
Biomarker testing has become a game-changing part of cancer care in recent years as it’s a necessary first step in opening the door to targeted treatments that can lead to survivorship and quality of life. After a cancer diagnosis, biomarker testing can help connect patients with the right treatment at the right time. As a result, patients may be able to avoid unnecessary treatments with potentially life-altering side effects.
Most insurance plans in the state currently cover biomarker testing; however, unfortunately, there is a small population of Nevadans who still don’t have access either because their healthcare insurance provider doesn’t cover the technology or because, individually, a patient cannot afford a plan that does.
Despite the enormous proven benefits, some insurers are failing to keep pace with innovations and advancements in biomarker testing and treatment. This results in some patients being forced to decide whether to pay out-of-pocket or go without this treatment and hope the first treatment prescribed is the right one. Some communities – specifically those who are historically marginalized – are being left behind.
If passed, the bill would require state-regulated insurance companies and Medicaid to cover biomarker testing for patients who need it when supported by medical and scientific evidence.
“I am eager to help change the outcome for Nevadans diagnosed with cancer,” said Patti Kellerhouse, cancer survivor and ACS CAN volunteer from Las Vegas who attended Cancer Action Day. “As a cancer survivor who has benefited from biomarker testing, I know the importance of getting the right treatment at the right time. I urge our state lawmakers and Governor Joe Lombardo to take the next step in making cancer care at top priority and assure AB155 becomes law.” 
Kellerhouse has benefitted from biomarker testing and credits precision treatments for improving her quality of life during her cancer fight.
In 2023, more than 17,000 Nevadans are projected to be diagnosed with cancer and, of those, nearly 6,000 are expected to die. Cancer is the leading cause of death nationwide among Hispanic/Latino people with Black/African American populations dying from cancer at a rate disproportionate to White populations. Without action on biomarker testing, existing disparities in cancer outcomes by race, ethnicity, income, and geography could increase.
To date, five states across the country have passed legislation expanding access to biomarker testing, including Arizona.
Link to video and interview from 'Cancer Action Day'
