Cancer advocates push for Biomarker testing in Tennessee

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — Tuesday, more than 50 cancer advocates including patients, survivors, and caregivers will gather at Tennessee’s Capitol Hill to urge lawmakers to support a critical bill focused on biomarker testing.

This legislation aims to improve cancer diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring by ensuring physicians can access precise and personalized testing for their patients.

Maddie Michael, the Government Relations Director for the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) in Tennessee, highlighted the importance of the bill, emphasizing that biomarker testing can revolutionize cancer care.

“We are going to have over 50 patients and caregivers come to Tennessee’s Capitol Hill and talk to lawmakers about why cancer needs to be a part of good policymaking,” Michael explained. “There is a specific bill that we are really excited about supporting, which focuses on testing, diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring. Physicians need to be able to tailor treatments specific to each type of cancer, making care more personalized than ever before. This ensures we’re saving lives and time both of which are critical for patients.”

Michael also pointed out a major barrier in cancer treatment: insurance denials.

She noted that many physicians have reported difficulties with insurance companies refusing to cover biomarker testing, leading to delays in care.

“We’ve seen physicians tell us that they’re getting denied by insurance companies, and that slows care, she emphasized. Instead of focusing on their patients, they’re forced to fight back and forth with insurance and that’s not a doctor’s job. It is not the patient’s job either; they are just trying to get better. These delays make it harder for patients to receive the right treatment when they need it. This bill is critical, and since 20 other states have already passed it, it is time for Tennessee to do the same.”

For cancer survivor and ACS CAN Tennessee volunteer Darlene Smith, this fight is personal.

She credits her survival to innovative treatments that were available when she needed them and wants to ensure that others have the same opportunity.

“I want everyone to have access to the most innovative, life-saving treatment possible,” Smith said. “When I was diagnosed with late stage cancer, I was able to receive a drug that had just been developed, thanks to clinical trial funding. That research saved my life, and I want to make sure others have access to the same kind of cutting-edge treatments.”

Smith also wants lawmakers to understand the human side of cancer policy.

“There is life after cancer, and it’s a wonderful life, she reflected. I’ve decided to use the time I’ve been given to help others. Every person fighting cancer deserves access to the best treatment possible. I want the lawmakers we meet with tomorrow to think about me when they vote on this bill. Cancer patients aren’t just numbers we are people. We vote we have families who love us, and we deserve access to the most innovative and effective treatments available.”

Biomarker testing plays a key role in personalized cancer treatment, allowing doctors to identify the most effective therapies rather than relying solely on traditional chemotherapy or radiation.

This type of testing has been proven to save critical time in a cancer fight, which can make the difference between life and death.

To date, 20 states including Georgia, Texas, and Kentucky have already passed legislation to ensure insurance coverage for biomarker testing.

Advocates are now pushing for Tennessee to follow suit.