by Annette Pinder

A new blood test called CancerGuard, developed by Exact Sciences, offers a promising new way to detect multiple types of cancer early—often before symptoms appear. Designed for adults ages 50 to 84 who have not had a recent cancer diagnosis, CancerGuard analyzes a small blood sample for molecular “signals” that may indicate the presence of cancer.

Using a combination of cell-free DNA, DNA methylation patterns, and protein biomarkers, the test screens for more than 50 types and subtypes of cancer, including some for which there are currently no standard screening tests. The result is simple—either “cancer signal detected” or “no cancer signal detected.”

CancerGuard is meant to complement, not replace, existing screenings like colonoscopy or mammography. It can help identify cancers that may otherwise go unnoticed and potentially guide earlier diagnosis and treatment. Internal studies show the test correctly detected cancer in about 64 percent of cases and correctly ruled it out 97 percent of the time.

However, the test is not FDA-approved and currently costs $689, which is not covered by insurance. A positive result does not confirm cancer but signals the need for further testing, such as imaging or biopsy. As with all screenings, there is a small risk of false positives or negatives, which may cause unnecessary anxiety or missed cancers. Learn more about the test at www.cancerguard.com. If you think you would like to take the test, ask your physician whether they can order the Cancerguard multi-cancer early detection blood test for you.

While the long-term impact of CancerGuard remains under study, experts believe tests like this represent a significant step toward improving early cancer detection and saving lives through timely intervention.