By Svetlana Kogan, MD IFMCP
Imagine if a single blood test could scan for dozens of cancers — even ones that don’t yet have routine screening tests. That’s the bold idea behind the Galleri test, a new advance in cancer detection that is creating excitement in the medical community.
For decades, cancer screening has focused on a handful of common cancers. We have mammograms for breast cancer, colonoscopies for colon cancer, Pap tests for cervical cancer, and low-dose CT scans for certain lung cancers. These tools save lives, but they cover only a small fraction of the more than 100 types of cancer that exist. Many dangerous cancers — such as pancreatic, ovarian, or certain blood cancers — are often found too late, when symptoms appear and treatment options are limited.The Galleri test aims to change that story.
How the Galleri Test Works:
The Galleri test is sometimes called a “multi-cancer early detection test.” It’s a simple blood draw — just like the ones you’ve probably had at your doctor’s office. But instead of checking cholesterol or blood sugar, the test looks deep into your blood for tiny bits of genetic material that come from cancer cells.
Our DNA — the instruction manual for every cell in our body — is constantly being recycled. Old cells break down, releasing fragments of DNA into the bloodstream. If a person has cancer, the tumor cells also shed DNA, and those pieces carry a distinct “signature” that marks them as coming from cancer rather than healthy cells.
The Galleri test uses advanced sequencing technology and artificial intelligence to scan these fragments for abnormal patterns. If it detects a cancer signal, it can also give doctors a clue about where in the body that cancer might be hiding — such as the lungs, liver, or pancreas — so they know where to look next.
It’s important to note: the Galleri test is not meant to replace regular screenings like mammograms or colonoscopies. Think of it as an extra safety net — one that can catch cancers we currently have no other way to find early.
Benefits of Having the Galleri Test:
1) Catching More Cancers, Earlier
Early detection is the single most powerful factor in improving cancer survival rates. For many cancers, if found at stage 1, treatment is far more effective, and survival rates can be above 80–90%. The Galleri test can screen for more than 50 types of cancer from one blood draw, many of which have no standard screening.
2) Less Invasive Than Other Screenings
Colonoscopies, biopsies, and certain imaging tests can be uncomfortable or require significant preparation. The Galleri test involves just a quick blood draw — no fasting, no anesthesia, and no recovery time.
3) Peace of Mind
For people with higher-than-average cancer risk — due to family history, lifestyle factors, or age — having an extra layer of screening can be reassuring. It’s like having an extra smoke alarm in your house; you hope it never goes off, but you’re glad it’s there.
4) Guiding Faster Diagnosis
If the test detects a cancer signal, it also points doctors toward the most likely source. That means follow-up scans and tests can be more targeted, reducing delays and unnecessary procedures.
5) Who Might Consider the Galleri Test?
I generally recommend it for adults over age 50 or those with an elevated risk of cancer. It’s not intended for people who already have symptoms of cancer — in that case, your doctor will use other diagnostic tools. Because it’s still new, the test isn’t yet covered by most insurance plans, and costs approximately $950.
6) Limitations and Considerations
No test is perfect. A “false positive” result can happen — when the test suggests there might be cancer but follow-up exams show there’s none. While that can cause anxiety, it’s worth noting that traditional screenings have similar limitations.
There’s also the possibility of a “false negative,” where the test misses a cancer that’s present. That’s why experts stress the Galleri test should be used alongside — not instead of — regular screenings and check-ups. Finally, it’s still relatively early days. Ongoing studies are tracking how well the test performs in real-world settings and how often it truly leads to earlier detection and better outcomes.
A Glimpse Into the Future
For now, the Galleri test offers a promising new tool for people who want to be proactive about their health. It’s not magic, and it’s not perfect, but it represents a big step toward a world where fewer cancers are found too late. Cancer is still a leading cause of death worldwide, but early detection saves lives.
Svetlana Kogan, M.D.
The author of ‘Diet Slave No More!’, Svetlana Kogan, MD is a Board-Certified Internal Medicine, Holistic & Functional Medical Doctor with 25 years of experience. She has appeared as a health expert on prime-time TV and radio stations and has authored hundreds of holistic health articles for internet and print. She moved her Concierge Practice from Manhattan NYC to Naples in 2019. Her Functional Medicine Primary Care Practice is focused on prevention and holistic approach to illness, and longevity.
720 Fifth Ave S, Unit 209, Naples , FL 34102
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