Where (and How) You Can Get Biomarker Testing Done

So you’ve heard about the importance of biomarker testing — now the question is: how do you actually get it done?

The good news? It’s easier than you might think.

Step 1: Ask Your Oncologist

Start with your current medical team. Most large cancer centers automatically run biomarker tests for certain types of cancer (like lung, breast, colorectal, and melanoma), but not always — especially at smaller hospitals.

Ask your doctor:

• Have any biomarker tests been done on my tumor?

• Which biomarkers were tested?

• Are there others I should be tested for?

Step 2: Request Testing If It Hasn’t Been Done

If testing hasn’t been done, or only a limited panel was used, you can ask for a broader test. There are many comprehensive genomic profiling tests available that can analyze dozens (or even hundreds) of mutations from a single sample.

Examples include:

• FoundationOne CDx

• Guardant360 (liquid biopsy option)

• Tempus

• Tests run by academic labs at major cancer centers

Step 3: Look into Clinical Programs

Some hospitals and advocacy organizations offer free or low-cost testing as part of research programs. These can be great options, especially if insurance won’t cover everything.

You can also explore platforms like:

• Leal Health (helps match patients to trials that often include free testing)

• My Cancer Genome (offers education and testing support)

• Cancer Commons (provides expert guidance on testing options)

Step 4: Understand the Results — with Help

Once your results are in, don’t go it alone. Work with your care team, and if needed, request a consultation with a molecular tumor board — a group of specialists who can interpret your test and suggest next steps.

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Final Thoughts

Biomarker testing isn’t just a nice-to-have — it can be the key to unlocking better treatment options. Wherever you are in your cancer journey, it’s worth asking:
“Have I been tested for all relevant biomarkers?”

If the answer is no, you know what to do next.