Arkansas: Proposed Bill Addresses Genetic Testing In Cancer Treatment

Arkansas lawmakers to require health insurance to cover genetic testing and advanced imaging for certain cancer patients

Canva stock art

Anyone following the Reckoning is likely aware that cancer is a daily part of my life.

In early fall of 2022, my son received a diagnosis of grade 4 brain cancer. What happened immediately following his first CT scan is relative to this bill — in a way.

After receiving the mention of a “spot” being seen on the scan, my heart sank. I had lived this scenario before first, with my mother and her diagnosis of colon cancer. Then a few years later with my younger brother and another cancer diagnosis. The gene mutation associated with Lynch syndrome had again hit my family.

In the middle of the night, I returned home to retrieve valuable information. My mother’s and brother’s genetic test results confirming our family's struggle with Lynch syndrome.

When I returned to Little Rock armed with information that could alter the course of action for my son, the doctors failed to recognize the significance of the information.