Biomarker testing can save lives

When I look back, it’s hard to believe how quickly my life changed from healthy, happy, active mom and businesswoman to cancer patient, cancer fighter and cancer survivor. But that’s been my journey, and as someone who has always tried to find even the smallest glimmer of a silver lining in any experience, I’ve come through my journey not only with a greater appreciation of my faith, my family and life itself, but also as a more aware and educated citizen when it comes to the policies and practices of medicine in my home state and beyond.

My chances of being where I am today — happy, healthy, writing these words — were initially very grim. I had Stage 4 triple-negative breast cancer which metastasized to my lungs. Only the dedication of my doctors, support of my family and unwavering faith got me to survivor status and to the life I live and cherish today.

My ordeal immersed me into the world of medical practices and the various roles played by doctors, hospitals, specialists, pharmacies and insurance companies. I have knowledge, awareness and perspective I never would have obtained, otherwise. My eyes have been opened to trends and practices that are troubling. Bottom line: We can and should be making access to the latest technological advances in medicine easier and more widespread.

Take, for example, the topic of biomarkers and biomarker testing. A biomarker is a genetic sign in a person’s blood, tissue or bodily fluid that can provide doctors with detailed data and help guide the best course of treatment. Biomarkers can be proteins, genes or gene mutations. Biomarker testing can help doctors chart a more precise path in terms of a patient’s treatment.

Biomarker testing is one of the wonderful ways in which our worldwide effort to stem the horrible impact of cancer on our society is being brought about through meticulous and dedicated research and technological advancement.

Sadly, though, the positive impact of biomarker testing is not being felt in all communities. The practice is simply not as widespread as it should be due to a multitude of factors and policies. While the field of precision medicine has advanced rapidly over the past several years, coverage policies across health insurance plans have not kept pace with the speed of innovation. In fact, differing coverage by patients’ health plans have gotten in the way of the advancement of biomarker testing. And even when biomarker testing is covered by a patient’s insurance, high out-of-pocket costs and the need to obtain prior authorization represent additional financial and administrative hurdles to getting tested for biomarkers. Unfortunately, these barriers to access tend to disproportionately affect those who are older, uninsured, or live in rural or low-income communities.

Some states have passed laws mandating coverage of comprehensive biomarker testing and other efforts by cancer patient advocacy groups are ongoing. But more action is needed, more voices need to be raised, more elected officials need to be educated, and more barriers to access to biomarker testing must be broken down.

As someone who has lived a dire cancer journey, I can tell you that access to the latest advancements in detection and treatment, and the hope it provides, is essential.