I recently joined dozens of cancer patients, survivors and their loved ones in connecting with New Hampshire state legislators as a part of the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network’s (ACS CAN) Cancer Action Day, urging them to make access to precision medicine a top priority this session. I’m grateful my legislators, Representatives James Gruber, Susan DeLemus and Rick Devoid and Senator Daryl Abbas, spent time with me and listened as I explained how critical precision medicine services, like biomarker testing, are to end suffering and death from cancer. As a cancer patient of 16 years and an advocate, I understand that no cancer battle is the same! Every cancer diagnosis is unique, and patients’ treatment plans should reflect that. Biomarker testing allows oncologists to tailor treatments to a patient’s distinct cancer. Despite the evidence of its effectiveness, biomarker testing is unavailable to many. New Hampshire must equip its residents with the best tools to battle their cancer; we must prioritize expanding access to biomarker testing. State leaders should ensure that everyone in our state who needs it can access comprehensive biomarker testing. I hope this message was heard clearly in our meetings with lawmakers and that action is taken.

Michelle Lawrence

Henniker