BREAKING DOWN BARRIERS TO ENSURE EQUITY IN PRECISION MEDICINE

Precision medicine is transforming cancer care by using a patient's unique genetic information to tailor treatments to the specific features of their cancer. By taking a "right patient, right treatment" approach, it promises more effective, less toxic therapies, especially in areas like lung cancer and melanoma.

But as we advance in precision medicine, we must address who benefits from these innovations. Right now, access isn't equal, and some groups are being left out. Here’s what you need to know to join the movement for more inclusive precision medicine.

1️⃣ Lack of Access to Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS)

NGS testing is essential to precision cancer care. This test can uncover genetic changes that might respond well to targeted therapies, but not everyone has access. Patients need a healthcare provider who orders the test and insurance to cover it. Currently, people of certain racial and socioeconomic backgrounds face more challenges in getting these tests, creating a gap in who can access the full benefits of precision cancer treatment.

#TakeAction: Share resources to help people understand how to access NGS and talk to their doctors. Together, we can spread awareness about the importance of equity in testing.

2️⃣ Representation in Clinical Trials

Many clinical trials today are based on genetic findings from NGS testing. These trials offer promising new treatments tailored to specific genetic changes, but they often don’t reflect the diversity of the population. Without diverse representation, treatments are based on data that might not work for everyone, leaving certain groups without the same chance at effective care.

#TakeAction: Spread the word about the importance of diverse clinical trial enrollment. Ask doctors and advocacy groups about how they’re working to include everyone in these important studies.

3️⃣ Diverse Genomic Databases Are Needed

Projects like The Cancer Genome Atlas have gathered valuable information, but they often lack data from underrepresented groups. This limits what we know about how cancer works in different populations and can lead to gaps in treatment effectiveness for those groups.

#TakeAction: Share the need for more inclusive genomic research! Tag researchers, funders, and policymakers to help build awareness and drive change.

The Role of Policy, Payers, and Funding

Policy changes can drive access to NGS and clinical trials, especially for those covered by public insurance. Likewise, funding agencies can require diverse patient representation in trials. Making this a priority can help close gaps in who benefits from new treatments.

#TakeAction: Encourage policy support for equitable access to testing and trials. Reach out to local representatives, and share this message on social media to amplify the call for fairer healthcare.

How You Can #KNOWYourGenome

Supporting equitable precision medicine means empowering patients, healthcare providers, and advocates to push for fair access and representation. This #KNOWvember, explore more resources at knowyourgenome.co and share the information. Let's work together to make sure precision medicine benefits everyone, everywhere.

#CallToAction: Share this post and help us spread the word. Your voice can make a difference in the future of precision medicine. Let's make sure no one is left behind!