At Elite Healthcare Partners, we believe preventive care starts with giving patients the information they need to make informed decisions about their health. As cancer screening technology continues to evolve, newer tools may offer additional options for patients who want to take a proactive approach to their care.
One newer option is a blood test for cancer screening. The Galleri® multi-cancer early detection test uses a single blood draw to screen for a signal shared by more than 50 types of cancer. Unlike traditional screening tests that focus on a specific type of cancer, Galleri looks for signals associated with many different cancers.
So, how does the Galleri blood test work, and who should consider it?
How Does a Blood Test for Cancer Screening Work?
The Galleri blood test analyzes patterns in cell-free DNA found in your bloodstream. Our cells naturally release small pieces of DNA into the blood, including cancer cells. DNA from cancer cells may carry patterns that differ from those found in healthy cells.
Galleri analyzes these patterns, known as methylation patterns, to look for a potential cancer signal.
What Do Galleri Results Mean?
Galleri provides one of two primary results: Cancer Signal Detected or No Cancer Signal Detected.
If Galleri does not detect a cancer signal, that does not guarantee that cancer is absent. The test does not detect every cancer, and false-negative results can occur. Therefore, patients should continue all routine cancer screenings recommended by their healthcare provider.
If Galleri detects a cancer signal, the test also predicts the Cancer Signal Origin. This identifies the tissue or organ where the signal is most likely coming from and can help guide the next steps.
However, a Cancer Signal Detected result does not mean that you have been diagnosed with cancer. Your healthcare provider will need to order additional diagnostic testing to determine whether cancer is actually present.
Who Should Consider the Galleri Test?
Galleri is recommended for adults with an elevated risk of cancer, such as those age 50 and older.
However, age is not the only factor that matters. Your personal medical history, family history and other cancer risk factors can help your healthcare provider determine whether multi-cancer screening may be appropriate for you.
Galleri is not recommended for people who are pregnant, age 21 or younger, or undergoing active cancer treatment.
Most importantly, the decision to pursue additional cancer screening should be based on your individual health and risk factors—not simply your age.
Does Galleri Replace Other Cancer Screenings?
No. Galleri provides an additional screening option, not a replacement for established cancer screenings.
You should continue mammograms, colorectal cancer screening, cervical cancer screening, lung cancer screening and any other testing your healthcare provider recommends.
The National Cancer Institute (NCI) also emphasizes that multi-cancer detection tests should not replace standard cancer screening. Researchers continue to study these newer tests to better understand their benefits, risks and impact on cancer outcomes.
A More Personalized Approach to Cancer Screening
There is no single cancer screening plan that is right for everyone. Your age, health history, family history and other risk factors all play a role in determining which screenings may be appropriate.
At Elite Healthcare Partners, our goal is to help patients understand their options and make informed decisions about preventive care.
If you’re considering the Galleri blood test, we can help you determine whether it may be an appropriate addition to your existing cancer screening plan.
Learn More About Cancer Screening in Lake Worth, FL
Want a deeper look at multi-cancer screening? Read our Galleri Multi-Cancer Early Detection Test: Screening for 50+ Types of Cancer With One Blood Test guide to learn more about the test, its benefits and limitations, and how it fits alongside traditional cancer screening.
To learn more about cancer screening in Lake Worth, FL or the Galleri blood test, request an appointment by clicking the link below.
Important Safety Information
The Galleri test does not detect all cancers. False-positive and false-negative results can occur. A No Cancer Signal Detected result does not rule out cancer. A Cancer Signal Detected result requires additional diagnostic evaluation. Galleri should be used in addition to routine cancer screenings recommended by your healthcare provider.
The Galleri test was developed and its performance characteristics were determined by GRAIL. The test has not been cleared or approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Resources & References
National Cancer Institute (NCI)
Questions and Answers About Multi-Cancer Detection Tests — Information about how multi-cancer detection tests work, their limitations and ongoing research.
National Cancer Institute (NCI)
Cancer Screening Tests — Information about established cancer screening and emerging multi-cancer detection testing.
Galleri / GRAIL
How the Galleri Test Works — Information about cell-free DNA, methylation patterns and Cancer Signal Origin.
Galleri / GRAIL
Important Safety Information — Current recommendations, limitations, eligibility and regulatory information.
