Why Biomarker Testing Could Be the Most Important Step in Your Cancer Journey

When you’re diagnosed with cancer, it’s natural to feel overwhelmed by the flood of information and decisions you have to make. But if there’s one thing that could dramatically impact the direction of your treatment — it’s biomarker testing.

What is Biomarker Testing?

Biomarker testing (also called molecular testing or genomic testing) looks for specific genes, proteins, or mutations in your cancer cells. These biomarkers can tell doctors what’s driving your cancer — and more importantly, which treatments are most likely to work for you.

Why is it so important?

Here’s the thing: not all cancers are the same, even if they have the same name.

Take lung cancer, for example. Two people with non-small cell lung cancer might have completely different mutations. One might benefit from a targeted therapy like Tagrisso (if they have an EGFR mutation), while another might respond better to immunotherapy or chemotherapy.

Biomarker testing helps:

• Match you with targeted therapies that attack the cancer at its source

• Avoid treatments that won’t work (and their side effects)

• Determine if you’re eligible for clinical trials exploring cutting-edge options

• Understand how aggressive your cancer is — and how best to manage it

It’s Personal — Literally

Cancer treatment is moving away from a one-size-fits-all approach. Biomarker testing is a big part of why. It allows your care team to personalize your treatment plan based on your cancer’s biology, not just its location in the body.

When Should You Get Tested?

Ideally, biomarker testing is done right after diagnosis, especially if you’re in the early stages of planning treatment. In some cases, it can be done later if the disease changes or progresses.

Talk to your oncologist about which tests are right for your cancer type.