Guardant Health’s Post

#SpeakingofScience: A new #bloodtest for colorectal #cancer is offering new hope to patients--but system delays could cost lives. The FDA has approved this groundbreaking blood test, and while #Medicare will cover the test for seniors, it could take years before younger individuals have access through private insurance. Why? A slow approval process led by an underfunded volunteer panel, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), is delaying critical #preventivecare for Americans. As #cancerdetection technology advances, the bureaucratic lag in providing coverage could mean life or death for thousands of people. It’s time for Congress to fully fund the #USPSTF so that all Americans can benefit from these life-saving innovations! 🩸🧪💙 #CancerScreening #PreventiveCare #HealthcareInnovation #ColorectalCancer #PublicHealth #MedicalResearch #FDAApproval #CancerAwareness #CancerTreatment

As the New Jersey Government Relations Director for American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network. I am proud to see the bills S3098/A4163 were introduced to ensure that all New Jerseyans, including Medicaid recipients, have access to essential biomarker testing. Biomarker testing connects patients with the most effective treatments, tailored specifically to their conditions. This can drastically improve outcomes and spare patients from the harsh side effects of ineffective treatments, thereby potentially reducing overall healthcare costs. However, access to these advanced treatments should not be a privilege dictated by one’s financial means or type of insurance. Seventeen states have already adopted similar measures, demonstrating the benefits of such policies. It’s time for New Jersey legislators to join us and prioritize patient care through scientific innovation. We must champion policies that ensure everyone, regardless of their socioeconomic status, can benefit from the best treatments that science has to offer. #HealthcareJustice #PrecisionMedicine #CancerCare #ACSCAN #NewJersey #Working4AllofUs

A new study from the American Cancer Society reveals disparities in cancer survival rates are linked to insurance coverage and the ability to pay. Those with insurance or extra income have higher cancer survival rates. These findings demonstrate the need to reassess financial barriers to accessing groundbreaking, yet costly, cancer therapies. Researchers examined survival rates before and after FDA approvals of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) for advanced cancers, including melanoma, lung, and kidney. They found significant increases in survival disparities between privately insured patients and those uninsured following the availability of ICIs. For instance, among stage 4 melanoma patients, the two-year survival gap between the insured and uninsured widened by more than four percentage points after ICIs hit the market. Similar trends were observed across other cancer types analyzed. While immunotherapies extend lives, their high prices effectively gatekeep this progress from America's uninsured and underinsured populations. Even as we unlock new therapeutic frontiers, inequitable access and affordability can worsen outcome disparities if an entire population cannot afford the latest breakthroughs. Let this new research catalyze our community to ensure future cancer advances extend to all patients equitably. We must work together to enact policies that improve health insurance coverage options and make new treatments more affordable. Let’s get to work! - Follow KC Health Collaborative to stay up-to-date about our efforts in fostering health equity and community connections in the Kansas City region. #cancersociety #cancertherapies #americancancersociety #healthequity #kansascity

If you’ve been paying attention, then you know I take on many fights - civil rights, equal access to quality education and healthcare, and fighting cancer. I choose to fight cancer by making better health decisions and getting screened but also by educating people about #cancer. ⚠️ KEEP READING ⚠️ Did you know that you can get genetic testing done to see if you have the potential to develop cancer and understand best treatment options for YOU? #Cancerbiomarkers are genes, proteins, or other substances that can be tested for to reveal important details about a person’s cancer. There are many known cancer biomarkers, and new ones are being found all the time. Testing for biomarkers might not be helpful for everyone. But for people with many types of cancer, biomarker testing might provide useful information that could affect their treatment options. ❓❓❓ Will health insurance policies cover this testing? Soon! The Indiana Legislature on Tuesday passed Senate Bill 273 requiring health plans to provide biomarker testing coverage for patients. This is headed to the governor’s desk for signature! THIS IS A HUGE DEAL ‼️‼️ The bill ensures that patients covered by a health plan, including Medicaid, will receive biomarker testing for diagnosing, treating, and managing their disease when supported by medical and scientific evidence. Coverage is not required, however, for biomarker testing for screening purposes. "This legislation will help address a significant barrier and bring the promise of precision medicine to more Hoosiers no matter their income or where they live," Allie Kast, government relations director for the (American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network - ACS CAN) in Indiana, said in a statement. #fightcancertogether

When patients get diagnosed with cancer, they quickly find that their entire lives change. It is not just the effects of the cancer or the treatments that cause the change. Cancer has a way of affecting a person's perspectives on life and priorities overall. In addition, the experience goes far beyond the patient, affecting spouses and other family members. Since 2018, Beacon Clinic has specialized in supporting cancer patients as they go through these life changes, helping them develop comprehensive treatment plans and cope with many of the health and financial issues that may arise during this time. As these changes develop, one question that many cancer patients have is whether they will be able to continue their employment while undergoing treatment. This is a significant concern. Not only do many people derive satisfaction from their careers, but they may be worried about retaining employer-provided health insurance and being able to earn the money needed to cover their medical bills. Unfortunately, there is no easy answer to this question. While some people can continue working while undergoing cancer treatment, it will often depend upon the type and stage of cancer, the method and effectiveness of the cancer treatments, the patient's overall health and how they are reacting to treatments, and other factors. On the positive side, many employers are willing to make adjustments for employees with medical conditions, including cancer. Contact Beacon Clinic today with any questions and see how we can help you! 🌐 YourBeaconClinic.com 📲 208.755.2804 . . . #BeaconClinic #Beacon #YourBeaconClinic

Are you prepared for a rise in new cancer cases? Discover how clinicians are gearing up to meet the needs of more patients in 2024. https://ow.ly/gFJT50S4p1b #CancerCare #Healthcare #CancerSurvivorMonth

Today, we at Harbinger Health celebrate a proclamation that is close to our hearts – the declaration of April 2024 as National Cancer Prevention and Early Detection Month. Cancer has touched nearly every family in America, requiring unparalleled courage, strength, and resilience. As President Biden poignantly highlights, ending cancer as we know it is the giant, ambitious goal we Americans have always embraced. The advancements made in the world of medicine, therapies, early detection methods, and prevention strategies have brought us closer to this reality. The evidence is in the numbers - over 30 percent of cancers diagnosed today could be prevented through practices like decreasing exposure to environmental carcinogens and making lifestyle changes like reducing tobacco use and improving nutrition. Aside from developing cutting-edge therapies and interventions, the importance of early detection cannot be overstated. Early detection can be the difference between a chronic manageable condition and an untimely death. Insurance coverage for cancer screenings and primary care visits has expanded under the current administration, taking us a step further towards saving and extending countless lives. This month let's recommit ourselves to the fight against cancer. Let’s ensure screening appointments aren’t missed, healthy habits are maintained, and exposures to environmental toxins are reduced. We at Harbinger Health stand proudly alongside the government, other private businesses, nonprofits, and interest groups in increasing awareness of what can be done to prevent, detect, and beat cancer. We are committed to riding the wave of momentum this proclamation creates, carrying on our mission to better healthcare. Let us honor those we've lost, support the survivors who inspire us, and strive for a world where a cancer diagnosis isn't a death sentence but a journey towards recovery. Let's make the cancer moonshot a reality. #CancerPrevention #EarlyDetection #HealthForAll #HealthEquity #EarlyCancerScreening #AI #moleculardiagnostics #cancer #April #MoonShot #Biden #Thepresident #USA #POTUS https://hubs.li/Q02rmKq00

"Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the U.S. Providers, who are concerned that cancer rates are increasing in younger people, are testing out strategies to get more patients into preventive screenings. Among them is leaning on companies specializing in patient engagement—effectively nudging patients to be proactive about their care," says Anastassia Gliadkovskaya. Leveraging patient engagement tools is crucial in closing gaps in cancer screenings, and ensuring timely detection and treatment. With interactive reminders, personalized educational resources, and appointment scheduling features, these tools empower patients to take proactive steps in managing their health. By fostering communication between patients and healthcare providers, identifying barriers to screening, and offering support throughout the process, we can improve screening rates and ultimately save lives. #CancerScreening #PatientEngagement #EarlyDetection #PatientCare

In Northern Michigan, 55% of colorectal cancer cases aren’t diagnosed until late stages, when it’s more difficult to treat. Colorectal cancer is a leading cause of cancer-related death in the U.S. A colonoscopy screening starting at age 45 (or earlier if you have a family history of colorectal cancer) can detect colorectal cancer before it grows and spreads. This same screening can also prevent cancer by removing polyps that could become cancerous in time. While it’s true that a colonoscopy takes more advance prep than most other screenings, you typically only need one colonoscopy per decade if no cancer is found. Your primary care provider or gastroenterologist can also explore alternative screening options with you at your next visit. If you’re 45 years or older or you’re at higher risk because of certain factors like family history, health insurance often covers up to all your screening costs. Honor your health during #ColorectalAwarenessMonth by talking with your healthcare provider about getting screened. Learn more at https://bit.ly/3TiYz0t.

Are you prepared for a rise in new cancer cases? Discover how clinicians are gearing up to meet the needs of more patients in 2024. https://ow.ly/zhj250S4p1j #CancerCare #Healthcare #CancerSurvivorMonth