AONN+ out and about at the 15th Annual National Policy Forum on the Future of Health Care. What's being done to improve access to cancer care in rural areas? It's a question that AONN+ Advisor Sharon Gentry, MSN, RN, HON-ONN-CC, AOCN, helped to answer during the panel discussion, "Overcoming Barriers to Accessing Cancer Care in Rural Communities," at the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network's 15th Annual National Policy Forum on the Future of Health Care in May. Moderated by fellow AONN+ member Elizabeth Franklin, PhD, MSW, Head of U.S. Public Affairs and Patient Advocacy, Oncology and Neurology at Sanofi, the panel focused on the ways policymakers, health systems, and cancer care providers are working to overcome the challenges impacting cancer patients in rural areas. Panelists joining Sharon and Elizabeth included: * Luis Rojas, MD, Clinical Vice President of the Oncology Service Line at Avera Health and a practicing gynecologic oncologist * Brian Edwards, MBA, Senior Vice President for Health Services Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama * Carrie Cochran-McClain, MPA, Dr.PH, Chief Policy Officer at the National Rural Health Association * Liz Jurinka, MA, Operating Director for Healthcare Policy at the Vistria Group For her part, Sharon shared thoughts around shortages in the oncology workforce and the need to have people work to the top of their skill set/license - promoting oncology professional roles. She also touched upon some of the barriers that navigators in these areas must overcome, including geographic isolation, transportation hurdles, limited access to specialists and telehealth, financial constraints, lower literacy levels, and emotional distress, and cited examples of innovative solutions from programs across the country. Additionally, Sharon emphasized the importance of trust in the patient/provider relationship, saying, "The level of patient-provider trust influences how much rural patients are willing to believe their providers, to follow providers' health care recommendations, and to provide information that helps providers make appropriate health care decisions." Related Items AONN+ encourages oncology navigators to complete a brief Commission on Cancer survey that will help shape future navigation program development, identify emerging trends, and strengthen support for the oncology navigation community. AONN+ Midyear 2026 brought the oncology navigation community together for four days of connection, innovation, and practical insights that are shaping the future of patient care. Sharon Gentry, MSN, RN, HON-ONN-CG, AOCN, recently traveled to Philadelphia to represent AONN+ at the Access USA Conference, specifically for Patient Assistance & Access Programs. Here, she took part in the highly popular panel, "The Medicare Patient Experience: Affordability, Access, and the State of Healthcare Today," which focused on financial burdens that patients with chronic illnesses face and why the work to improve access is far from finished.

'Delaware Advocacy Day' brings patient advocates to Dover to discuss affordability of biomarker testing. Advocates connected with their lawmakers, asking them to extend biomarker testing access to Delaware patients who can benefit. March 11, 2026 Earlier today, cancer survivors, medical professionals and patient advocates from across Delaware convened in Dover at Legislative Hall as a part of 'Delaware Advocacy Day.' The main focus of Advocacy Day, which was hosted by the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) and the Alzheimer's Association (ALZ), was for volunteers to connect directly with legislators and ask for their support of Senate Bill 120, a bipartisan proposal to improve Delawareans' access to biomarker testing. Biomarker testing blows the door wide open for present and future treatment options for diseases like cancer and Alzheimer's as well as ALS, preeclampsia, Parkinson's and many other conditions. By identifying the unique characteristics of a patient's disease, biomarker testing enables providers to tailor therapies to the individual's specific disease, crafting a treatment plan aimed at improving outcomes and quality of life. Earlier this year in his budget address, Governor Meyer identified biomarker testing access as a priority for his administration. He visited with advocates today to hear firsthand why removing barriers to this vital tool is essential to patients and the health care and equity landscape in Delaware. Advocates from both ACS CAN and ALZ are hopeful that state lawmakers join the governor in prioritizing expanded access to biomarker testing through SB 120. Among the advocates who are asking lawmakers to improve biomarker testing access was Darcy Burbage, an oncology clinical nurse specialist who helps maintain the Oncology Nursing Society Biomarker Database. She shares how biomarker testing changed the trajectory for one of her patients. "Because of biomarker testing, a patient that I cared for was able to access a targeted therapy specifically designed to treat the variant identified by testing. Within weeks, her symptoms improved and two years later, she is working, spending time with her family and continuing to receive treatment tailored to her," said Darcy. "Expanding insurance coverage of biomarker testing helps ensures more patients receive the individualized care they deserve." Lance Kilpatrick, government relations director for ACS CAN in Delaware, noted that state lawmakers were highly receptive to the advocates' points. "Ensuring that more Delawareans have access to proven biomarker testing means more patients facing cancer and other chronic diseases will have the information they need to identify the best treatments available," said Kilpatrick. "Many legislators signaled strong interest today, and we're optimistic about bipartisan support for SB 120." If Delaware passes SB 120, it will become the 23rd state to expand access to biomarker testing. Each of Delaware's neighboring states have taken this step. About ACS CAN The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) advocates for evidence-based public policies to reduce the cancer burden for everyone. Cancer Action Network, Inc. engage its volunteers across the country to make their voices heard by policymakers at every level of government. Cancer Action Network, Inc. believe everyone should have a fair and just opportunity to prevent, detect, treat, and survive cancer. Since 2001, as the American Cancer Society's nonprofit, nonpartisan advocacy affiliate, ACS CAN has successfully advocated for billions of dollars in cancer research funding, expanded access to quality affordable health care, and advanced proven tobacco control measures. Cancer Action Network, Inc. stand with its volunteers, working to make cancer a top priority for policymakers in cities, states and its nation's capital. Join the fight by visiting www.fightcancer.org. Media contacts. Casey O'Neill Sr. Regional Media Advocacy Manager Related press releases. March 11, 2026 The one-house budget proposals revealed a clear divide in the Legislature's approach to the equitable treatment of disease. The New York State Senate flatly rejected the governor's proposal to roll back Medicaid coverage criteria for biomarker testing, heeding the calls of cancer survivors, patient advocates and public health organizations, like the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN). The Assembly took a more mixed approach accepting parts of the Governor's proposed language while rejecting others. March 4, 2026 JACKSON, Miss. - The Mississippi Senate passed "Jill's Law" House Bill 565 Wednesday, paving the way for increased access to biomarker testing for Mississippians with state-regulated he February 11, 2026 JACKSON, Miss. - The Mississippi Senate passed Senate Bill 2694 Wednesday, February 11, paving the way for increased access to biomarker testing for patients across the Magnolia State.