The effort organized by the American Cancer Society brought cancer care advocates from across New York State to Albany

BUFFALO, N.Y. — Cancer survivors and advocates from across New York gathered at the State Capitol on Tuesday for Cancer Action Day, urging lawmakers to protect access to critical diagnostic tools and strengthen patient support services.

The day of action, organized by the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, focused heavily on the proposed state budget. Advocates expressed concern over new language they fear could limit access to biomarker testing, a precision medicine tool that helps doctors determine the most effective treatments for specific types of cancer.

While Gov. Kathy Hochul signed legislation in 2023 requiring insurance providers and Medicaid to cover such testing, advocates argue the current budget proposal could create new barriers, particularly for low-income New Yorkers.

“Removing that coverage is really unfair, and it’s not equitable; it’s not moving forward,” said Dylyn Harrison, a volunteer with the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network. “We understand about the budget, but we can’t balance the budget on the backs of cancer patients. So that is a really urgent need right now.”

In a statement, a spokesperson for the governor’s office defended the proposal, stating it is intended to align care with medical standards rather than reduce access.

“The Governor has significantly expanded access to cancer care by advancing initiatives that make care more affordable, particularly early detection and screenings. This proposal does not roll back coverage but instead aims to further ensure patient safety in accordance with evidence-based and peer-reviewed guidelines. Nothing in this proposal changes the fact that biomarker precision medical testing is a covered benefit for Medicaid enrollees and the Governor will continue to negotiate in good faith with the Legislature to pass a state budget that protects healthcare access for New Yorkers.”

In addition to biomarker testing, the group met face-to-face with lawmakers to push for increased funding for patient navigators—staff who help patients manage the complexities of the healthcare system and updates to temporary disability benefits to better support those undergoing active treatment.