Galleri Cancer Screening Test

I listened to one of the cancer geneticists from the company give a presentation on it the other day. Better for some cancers vs. others, particularly faster growing, more aggressive cancers that would tend to shed more genetic material. Doesn't work for brain cancers because of the blood-brain barrier. Also detection rate is lower for lower stage cancers.

Looks for snippets of methylated DNA (epigenetic mutations) that cancer cells may shed into the circulation.

If you are in Louisiana, they have a deal with Ochsner and the patient cash price is $800ish. It will become less expensive over time as competitors emerge and the technology becomes less expensive.

The statistics of it are quite complicated. Promising though, I think. Not a replacement for already established age-based screening such as mammo, pap/HPV DNA, colonoscopy, etc.

Yes - I did the Galleri test earlier this year. It was mostly done for peace of mind. My test came back all clear.

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more importantly be prepared for any results.

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This was the biggest concern with my fitness guy. He said the test is very sensitive and can give positive results on cancers your body will defeat or are so miniscule as to not warrant any concern. Probably do it next year.