Step 1: Ask whether biomarker testing is right for your cancer

Step 1 Understanding Biomarker Testing For Cancer

What is biomarker testing, and why does it matter for my cancer?

Step 2 Biomarker Testing Eligibility For Cancer Type And Stage

Am I eligible for biomarker testing? Is biomarker testing recommended for my type and stage of cancer?

Step 3 Understanding The Types Of Biomarkers That Can Be Tested

What kinds of biomarkers are you able to test for?

Step 4 Understanding Whether Cancer Has Been Tested For Biomarkers

Has my cancer already been tested for biomarkers? If not, why not?

Step 5 Understanding Biomarker Testing After A Tissue Biopsy

What if I already had a tissue biopsy and my tumor was not tested?

Step 6 How Biomarker Test Results Help Guide A Cancer Treatment Plan

How may the results of biomarker testing help guide my treatment plan?

Step 2: Ask what to expect during the testing process

Step 1 Understanding The Biomarker Testing Process

How are the biomarker tests done? Will I need a biopsy, a blood draw, or both?

Step 2 Understanding The Risks And Side Effects Of Biomarker Testing

Are there any risks or side effects with biomarker testing?

Step 3 Timeline For Receiving Biomarker Test Results

How long will it take to get my results back?

Step 4 Understanding Who Will Review And Explain Biomarker Test Results

Who will explain my biomarker test results to me?

Step 5 Accessing A Copy Of Biomarker Test Results

Will I be able to get a copy of my test results to keep?

Step 6 Biomarker Testing Insurance Coverage And Cost Information

Is biomarker testing covered by my insurance? Are there any costs I should know about?

Step 3: Ask what your biomarker test results mean

Step 1 Understanding Biomarker Test Results In Plain Language

What do my biomarker test results mean in plain language? 

Step 2 How To Decide If A Treatment Or Clinical Trial Is Right Based On Biomarker Test Results

Based on my results, are there any treatments you would consider or clinical trials I may qualify for? How do we decide if a treatment or clinical trial is right for me? 

Step 3 Understanding Unclear Biomarker Test Results And Retesting

Are there any results that were unclear? Should I be retested? Are there other biomarkers I should be tested for?

Step 4 Repeat Biomarker Testing During Ongoing Cancer Treatment

Should biomarker testing be done again as my treatment continues?

See real stories from people who’ve had biomarker testing and learn how it helped guide their treatment journeys

See their stories

Check out resources from cancer organizations and advocacy groups, including information on specific cancer types

Find resources