There are a few conditions that if we find early that we might be able to treat more effectively. Makes sense, right? If you find a cancer when it is very small you may be able to remove it before it gets large or before it spreads. Most know about the usual screening procedures such as colon cancer screening with a colonoscopy or Cologuard or cervical cancer screening by using PAP smears.
There is a newer one on the market that we think is ready for “Prime Time.” It is called Galleri and is a blood test that looks for over 50 cancers including the ones that are very hard to detect. It is a simple blood test that you can have drawn but the downside is the cost is about $1000 and is not covered by insurance. We bring this to your attention because many patients ask us “Is there a blood test that you can do that checks for cancer?” Typically, very few cancers can be detected by blood work. This may be a game changer, or at least the right step.
Full disclosure: We do NOT have a relationship with Galleri and are not paid for any promotion. We do think it is a worthwhile test to consider and will be glad to discuss.
