Menu “ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT PARTS OF THE LUNG CANCER JOURNEY IS BECOMING INFORMED ABOUT WHAT YOU AND YOUR LOVED ONES ARE FACING.” - Bellamy Young, Actress Biomarkers are like pieces of a puzzle that can give doctors a more well-defined picture of a patient's non-small cell lung cancer. Merck has partnered with leading lung cancer advocacy groups and acclaimed actress and singer Bellamy Young to launch, Test. Talk. Take Action., a national awareness campaign that aims to increase understanding of biomarkers and the role they play in the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) so patients and their loved ones can make informed decisions about care. Thanks to advancements in lung cancer research, doctors have found that every lung cancer is different and that they can use biomarkers to uncover some of the characteristics of a patient's lung cancer. Biomarker testing is now widely recommended in NSCLC and by testing for biomarkers including EGFR, ALK, ROS-1 and PD-L1, doctors have information to help make treatment decisions. In simple terms, biomarkers are like pieces to a puzzle that can give doctors a more well-defined picture of a patient's NSCLC. With the results of a biomarker test, doctors can plan the best treatment path forward for a patient. Swipe to explore further Leading lung cancer patient advocacy groups supporting the program include Bonnie J. Addario Lung Cancer Foundation, Free to Breathe, Lung Cancer Alliance, Lung Cancer Foundation of America, Lung Cancer Research Foundation, and LUNGevity. These organizations have made it their mission to support people impacted by lung cancer through education, resources and research. Bellamy Young knows firsthand what people with lung cancer and their loved ones are going through. Young’s father went through ten months of treatment for lung cancer before he passed away from the disease. “When my Pop was diagnosed with lung cancer, we felt helpless and confused. I just wanted to know as much as I could to help us understand and manage his treatment and care,” she explains. Young feels strongly that being informed is one of the keys to feeling more in control of your lung cancer journey. Young is joining the Test. Talk. Take Action. campaign to encourage those impacted by NSCLC to get the facts about biomarkers and talk with their health care providers about testing. “Be your own advocate. Get as much information as you can by educating yourself about your cancer and potential treatment options.” - Bellamy Young Learn more at www.TestTalkTakeAction.com VIEW INFOGRAPHIC Published Nov. 2016 Copyright. © 2009-2017 Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp., a subsidiary of Merck & Co., Inc. All rights reserved. Forward-Looking Statement Privacy Terms of Use Site Map