Biomarker testing is the future of personalized cancer diagnosis, enabling custom treatment options that extend and save lives. I am living proof.

But the sad reality in Colorado today is not every patient can access the transformative power that biomarker testing provides patients who are battling life-threatening diseases. The state legislature can correct this glaring, and unacceptable, disparity by passing SB24-124 (the “Biomarker Bill”).

Because this legislation is so important, and because biomarker testing is critical in saving lives for all, I want to share my personal story as an example of how this bill will improve the quality of life for thousands of Coloradans.

Close to the Thanksgiving holiday in 2019, I was diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer. The diagnosis was terrifying, confusing, expensive and time-consuming.

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What followed was a full year of treatment with chemotherapy, surgery and biologic therapy. It was an arduous medical experience. I believed at the end I was cancer free, but I was no longer taking anything for granted. Every time I felt an ache or pain – or if had a blood test that produced imperfect results – I worried my cancer had returned.

At one follow-up appointment, I learned the values on my standard tumor marker blood test had come back elevated. You can imagine the surprise and stress involved in hearing these results. I did not want to face another round of treatments.

The blood results led to a series of tests to determine if the cancer returned. These tests included a positron emission tomography (PET) scan, a computerized tomography (CT) scan, a bone scan and an ultrasound. After all of these tests, and considerable expense, the results did not show any tumors, but my tumor markers remained elevated. My doctors speculated the elevated markers were due to my rheumatoid arthritis, which causes constant inflammation and can affect test results. Their assessment offered some comfort but at the same time did little to relieve my anxiety something was still not right. With cancer, it only takes one mutated cell loose in your body to recruit others into forming a tumor. And like any of us, I wanted as much assurance as I could my cancer wasn’t planning another attack.

My doctor then told me about comprehensive biomarker testing, a highly sensitive and personalized test that can reveal if new cancer cells are present. Even better, he said, the biomarker testing would not show any false positive results based on my rheumatoid arthritis.

I jumped at the chance to get this testing despite a steep price tag that would not be covered by my group health insurance plan. Being fortunate enough to have the financial resources, I immediately determined to move forward with this critical test. The results? The biomarker testing showed I was cancer free.

Aside from the immeasurable peace of mind – and benefit of having an accurate diagnosis – the biomarker could have saved me, and the health care system, significant cost had I received comprehensive biomarker testing earlier in my cancer journey. So, when certain parties argue biomarker testing means increased costs, I have to ask, “for who?”  Early detection and precision medicines create efficiencies that save money for patients and the health care system.

Though I was able to obtain this testing, many patients cannot. Cancer does not discriminate based upon socioeconomic factors, so neither should access to treatment options. The Journal of the American Medical Association and the American Cancer Society have reported studies for years that show wide gaps in cancer death rates between low-, medium- and high-income communities.

Without a bill that requires coverage of appropriately prescribed testing, some Coloradans will continue to be denied access to the benefits of early, precise and accurate diagnosis – the key to being able to reduce disparities in cancer outcomes.

By casting a vote in favor of the biomarker testing bill, SB24-142, members of the Colorado legislature will increase access to precision medicine for every medically qualified patient, ensuring all can get the right diagnosis and the right cure at the right time.

Rebecca Givens is an attorney at Moye White, a national law firm based in Denver offering strategic representation in complex commercial transactions and disputes.