We agree with Andreas Farmakalidis’ excellent letter to the editor on March 4 concerning public policy based on grassroots ideas.
Many ideas are often overlooked because they can be too expensive, too political, or because stakeholders (lobbyists) have financial worries about implementation.
We have encountered these challenges before, but still continue to generate ideas that are especially relevant to older adults and veterans.
As we previously mentioned in The Signal, updating your medical information regarding cancer treatment remains a top priority. That’s why we want to once again emphasize to our veterans the importance of “biomarker testing,” which can lead to better treatment options for certain mutated cancers.
Our prior research showed that only about 20% of cancers are tested for “biomarker testing” by the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Most of the public and doctors are unaware of this technology, and unfortunately, even veterans seeking care through the VA sometimes do not know it’s available.
In the past, we tried to introduce a proposal to federal legislators that all cancer biopsies be analyzed, but we were unsuccessful, even after submitting a cost analysis that would provide life-saving new treatment options for those who served.
We will continue to provide this information, but write this letter to inform Santa Clarita veterans that if they face the possibility of a cancer diagnosis, they should ask their VA doctor to ensure that the biopsy includes “biomarker testing” on the tissue.
Veterans deserve this.
Robin Clough and Dr. Gene Dorio
Saugus
