Early Cancer Detection with a Simple Test
What if you could detect cancer before symptoms appeared? The Galleri blood test, now available at SCMSC, offers a groundbreaking approach to early cancer detection. With just a simple blood draw, this advanced multi-cancer early detection tool identifies potential cancer signals from over 50 types of cancer, often before symptoms begin. Early detection saves lives—don’t wait to take control of your health.
The Importance of Early Detection
At SCMSC, we have found the Galleri blood test to be a powerful tool that enables us to provide patients with life-changing information about their health, often before symptoms appear. While the Galleri test is not yet FDA-approved, it is available in the United States under a CLIA waiver, allowing doctors to order it for their patients. Developed by GRAIL, a leading healthcare company, the test is part of ongoing FDA-approved studies to evaluate its ability to reduce late-stage cancer diagnoses. These Investigational Device Exemption (IDE) studies mark an important step toward full FDA approval.
Read more about the value of early cancer detection from the American Cancer Society.
How can a simple blood test detect cancer before it forms?
The Galleri blood test looks at tiny pieces of DNA floating in your bloodstream, called cell-free DNA. These bits of DNA come from cells in your body, including cancer cells. When cancer is present, the DNA shows specific changes, called methylation patterns, that act like fingerprints for different types of cancer. By studying these patterns, the test can find a cancer signal and even suggest where the cancer might be.
Think of it as a high-tech detective that spots clues about cancer early, giving doctors a chance to act before the disease grows or spreads. This isn’t just another cancer screening test—it’s a whole new way to stay ahead of cancer.
What Types of Cancer Does the Galleri Test Detect?
The Galleri blood test can detect over 50 types of cancer, including:
- Breast cancer
- Lung cancer
- Cervical cancer
- Colorectal cancer
- Rare and aggressive cancers like pancreatic cancer
A complete list of cancers detected can be found on Galleri’s official page: Types of Cancer Detected.
Early detection is critical. Cancers caught in their earliest stages are often more treatable, improving outcomes and reducing the risk of late-stage diagnoses.
How Reliable Is the Galleri Test?
The Galleri test has undergone clinical validation, showing a low false positive rate of just 0.5%. It correctly identifies a cancer signal and its likely tissue of origin in 88.7% of true-positive cases. While no test is perfect, Galleri provides a significant advantage in detecting cancers that traditional tests often miss.
Learn more about the test’s performance in this article by The American Academy of Family Physicians.
Who Should Get Tested?
The Galleri test is ideal for adults at an elevated risk for cancer. This includes individuals over 50, those with a family history of cancer, or anyone seeking proactive measures for their health. While the test is not recommended for those undergoing active cancer treatment, it is a valuable screening tool for those without possible cancer symptoms who want to stay ahead of potential health risks.
How Does It Work?
Getting the Galleri test is simple and stress-free:
- Schedule your appointment with SCMSC.
- Provide a small blood sample during your visit.
- Wait for your test results, which will indicate if a cancer signal was detected and its likely location.
This simple blood test could provide life-saving information, allowing your healthcare provider to take swift action if necessary.
How Much Does the Galleri Test Cost?
What Happens If a Cancer Signal Is Detected?
If a cancer signal detected result is returned, don’t panic. Your test results will include information on the likely location of the cancer, helping the SCMSC experts and your primary healthcare provider determine next steps. Additional screening tests or diagnostic procedures may be recommended to confirm the diagnosis and guide treatment.
At SCMSC, our team will support you every step of the way, ensuring you understand your options and feel confident in your care plan.
Why SCMSC?
We take the time to listen, explain, and ensure you feel confident in every step of the process. From answering your questions to delivering personalized guidance, we are dedicated to empowering you to take control of your health with compassion and expertise. When you trust SCMSC, you’re choosing a team that’s fully committed to helping you lead a healthier, longer life.
Schedule Your Galleri Blood Test Today!
Early detection saves lives—and it could save yours.
