New Lower Cost for Multi-Cancer Early Detection Testing is Available Until March 31

December 20, 2024 – It is estimated that 71 percent of cancer deaths are caused by cancers not commonly screened for. That number could get reduced if more people aged 50 and older could use a multi-cancer early detection test (MCED). That’s why more than 500 organizations nationwide are advocating for seniors to be able to access MCED testing through public and private health insurance. But, for now, multi-cancer early detection tests are paid for as an out-of-pocket expense by each patient, generally at a cost of $900-$1,000.

MCED testing uses a simple blood-draw to detect more than 50+ types of cancer by looking for signals in the blood that may be associated with cancer. It provides a one-time picture of a person’s health at the time of testing and should not be used to replace other regular cancer screenings.

Hematology-Oncology Associates of CNY (HOA) offers MCED testing using the Galleri^® test, and from now until March 31, 2025 Galleri^® has reduced its fee so that HOA can offer the test for $749 per person. Not covered by insurance, MCED testing at HOA is an out-of-pocket expense available to people aged 50 and older who have a primary care provider and who also have been cancer-free for at least three years. 

“The Galleri^®test is an excellent supplementary tool for cancer screening. Outcomes are often significantly improved if cancer is detected in early stages, so it is encouraging that MCED testing is becoming more widely available,” explains Lauren Panebianco, MD a board-certified medical oncologist at HOA who medically supervises the MCED Testing Program. “Our program is able to work with a patient’s primary care provider to offer prompt expert counseling based on the test results.”

HOA’s Galleri^® Testing Program includes two visits with one of our cancer genetics specialists. The first visit includes a blood test and consultation. The second visit includes an in-depth review of the results, along with guidance and counseling for any necessary surveillance. Anyone looking to schedule the test can call 315-472-7504. More information about MCED testing can be found at hoacny.com/earlydetection.

How MCED Testing Works

The Galleri^®test uses a simple blood test to check for cancer cells in your bloodstream. All cells, healthy and cancer cells, contain DNA. The DNA from cancer cells is different from the DNA of healthy cells. As cells grow through their lifecycle and die, DNA is released into the bloodstream. The Galleri^®test can tell the difference between DNA from cancer cells and DNA from healthy cells. If a cancer signal is found, the results point to where in the body the cancer is coming from to help us guide your next steps.

The Galleri^®test is recommended for use in adults with an elevated risk for cancer, such as those aged 50 or older. It is not recommended if you are pregnant, 21 years old or younger, or undergoing active cancer treatment. The Galleri^®test is intended to be used in addition to, and not replace, other cancer screening tests a patient’s healthcare provider recommends.

Results are interpreted by a cancer care specialist in the context of medical history, clinical signs and symptoms. It’s important to note that 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 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.