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I think pretty much everyone knows that detecting cancer as early as possible is key to having a better outcome. I’m very diligent about getting all recommended screenings because I have a serious family history of different cancers and I’m hoping to beat my genetic odds. I’m 45 and have been getting annual mammograms for 5 years, annual checkups, regular dermatology screenings, and gynecologic exams. I even had my first colonoscopy this year.
So, when a friend told me about the Galleri test from GRAIL, I was intrigued. I know well enough that many cancers don’t show symptoms until they’re fairly advanced, making treatment options more limited. The idea of a screening that can detect early signs seemed too good to be true. I went to their website and here’s what I learned:
Seventy-one percent of cancer deaths are caused by cancers not regularly screened for.
The Galleri test screens for over 50 different types of cancer with one simple blood draw. It is recommended for those with a higher risk of cancer, such as those with family history or people 50 and older. It’s not meant to replace any regular screening that your doctor may recommend and it’s not covered by insurance. I paid just under $1000 for my test kit after completing an online questionnaire on a prescription provider website.
What Is The GRAIL Cancer Test?
How does it work? Well, cancers shed DNA into the bloodstream at different rates. The cancers that shed the most DNA into the blood and, therefore, are more likely to be detected by the Galleri test happen to also be the ones with the higher mortality rates. These cancer types account for around 63% of all estimated deaths from cancer. Galleri detects the DNA that these cancers shed into the bloodstream about 3 out of 4 times, when it’s present. So it’s not perfect, but it does offer ample peace of mind.
Once my test kit arrived, I printed out the order they had emailed me and made an appointment at a local lab. On February 22nd, I headed to the lab and had two vials of blood drawn, and it was pretty quick and easy. I got an email letting me know it had been received at GRAIL’s lab the next day. On March 4, I received the results — no cancer signals were detected. I cannot tell you the sense of relief I felt knowing this.
So, would I recommend this screening test despite the high price tag? I would have to say, that depends. If you have anxiety over your cancer risks for some reason and, like me, this kind of result will give you peace of mind, then, absolutely, yes. But I certainly hope that, at some point, this kind of screening will be covered under insurance and more accessible to the public. Because if this could be added to regular cancer screenings, it could potentially save lives.
Try GRAIL’s Galleri Test – $949.00
What steps are you taking for cancer prevention? Share your health tips in the comments below!
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