Multi-Cancer Early Detection Blood Test

When it comes to cancer survival, early detection is key. But right now, only five cancers—breast, cervical, colorectal, lung and prostate—have recommended screening guidelines. Around 70% of cancer deaths are caused by cancers that don’t have regular screening guidelines.

That's where the new Galleri® multi-cancer early detection test from GRAIL comes in. With an easy blood draw, the test detects a shared cancer signal across more than 50 types of cancer, improving the chances of finding cancer early and getting the crucial treatment you need as soon as possible.

How does the multi-cancer early detection blood test work?

All of the cells in our body—including any cancer cells—release DNA into our bloodstream. Since cancer cell DNA is different from healthy cell DNA, the blood test can identify DNA from cancer cells—and even help determine where the cancer has originated.

The test will reveal one of two results: “cancer signal not detected” or “cancer signal detected.” If you receive a “cancer signal detected” result, your doctor will discuss with you additional tests to confirm a cancer diagnosis.

While there is always a possibility of receiving a false negative or a false positive, a Galleri® clinical trial revealed a false positive rate of less than 1%.

Who is eligible to receive the multi-cancer early detection blood test?

The multi-cancer early detection blood test is available by order only to patients with a Henry Ford-affiliated physician. Contact your Henry Ford primary care doctor to learn if you are eligible to receive the test. In order to receive the test, you must:

• Have a U.S. ordering provider
• Be in the U.S. at the time of the blood draw
• Be at least age 22
• Be at risk for cancer (includes anyone over age 50)
• Not be pregnant
• Have no history of having cancer or cancer treatments in the past three years

Talk to your healthcare provider to determine if the multi-cancer early detection blood test is right for you. 

How to request the multicancer early detection blood test?

The test must be ordered by a Henry Ford-affiliated physician. Talk to your healthcare provider to determine if the multi-cancer early detection blood test is right for you.

Although, the test is not currently covered by most insurances, Henry Ford patients pay a reduced out-of-pocket for this test.

How do I complete the multi-cancer early detection blood test?

After your doctor has ordered you the test, you can get your blood drawn at one of the five Henry Ford Health hospitals. Your doctor should receive your results within 10 business days. They will discuss the results with you and next steps for your care.

It’s also important to note that the multi-cancer early detection blood test should not be used in place of routine cancer screenings, but rather as an additional cancer screening method.

Patient Testimonial: Valerie

Important safety information

The Galleri test is recommended for use in adults with an elevated risk for cancer, such as those aged 50 or older. The Galleri test does not detect all cancers and should be used in addition to routine cancer screening tests recommended by a healthcare provider. Galleri is intended to detect cancer signals and predict where in the body the cancer signal is located. Use of Galleri is not recommended in individuals who are pregnant, 21 years old or younger, or undergoing active cancer treatment.

Results should be interpreted by a healthcare provider in the context of medical history, clinical signs and symptoms. A test result of “No Cancer Signal Detected” does not rule out cancer. A test result of “Cancer Signal Detected” requires confirmatory diagnostic evaluation by medically established procedures (e.g. imaging) to confirm cancer.

If cancer is not confirmed with further testing, it could mean that cancer is not present or testing was insufficient to detect cancer, including due to the cancer being located in a different part of the body. False-positive (a cancer signal detected when cancer is not present) and false-negative (a cancer signal not detected when cancer is present) test results do occur. Rx only.