Multi-cancer early detection (MCED) tests are blood tests that look for tiny pieces of DNA shed by cancer cells. Some can screen for signals of dozens of cancer types at once, including cancers that have no routine screening test today.
What MCED Tests Can Do
- Look for signs of cancers like pancreatic or ovarian cancer that are otherwise hard to catch early
- Suggest where in the body a cancer signal may be coming from
- Add another layer of information for people at higher risk
What They Cannot Do
- They do not replace recommended screenings like mammograms, colonoscopy, Pap tests or lung cancer screening
- A negative result does not rule out cancer, and they can miss early cancers
- A positive result needs follow-up imaging or other tests to confirm, and false alarms happen
- Insurance and Medicare coverage is limited, so the test is often an out-of-pocket cost
Deciding Together
MCED testing is a personal decision. We talk through your age, family history, prior screening and how you would feel about follow-up testing, then decide together whether it adds value for you. If a test is positive, we coordinate the next steps quickly.
Become a Member
Curious whether MCED testing is right for you? Concierge Internal Medicine Associates keeps a limited number of memberships so every member has time with their physician and direct access when something comes up. Call (561) 295-5024 to schedule a meet-and-greet, or learn more about concierge membership.
