Cancerguard

Welcome to another edition of the Doctor’s Note where we talk about what’s on our minds when it comes to your health.

This week I talked about an exciting development in cancer screening—a new blood test called Cancerguard. Early cancer detection can be the difference between a smaller intervention and a life-altering diagnosis, and cancer continues to remain one of the leading causes of death in the United States. Traditional screening methods like mammograms, colonoscopies, and PSA tests have certainly saved lives, but they can still miss some of the deadliest cancers until symptoms appear. The idea of a simple blood test that can screen for 50 different types of cancers—especially cancers like pancreatic or ovarian, which are often difficult to detect early—could be an important step forward in prevention, early intervention, and peace of mind for patients.

Cancerguard isn’t perfect, but it’s a major step forward. The test is available for adults ages 50 to 84 who have not had a cancer diagnosis in the past three years and is not intended for known or precancerous cancers of the breast, prostate, brain, or skin. What sets Cancerguard apart is its ability to detect both tumor DNA and tumor-associated proteins circulating in the blood—important signals that something may be wrong before symptoms appear. The test is designed to keep false positives low, with a reported 97% accuracy in identifying those without cancer, while its overall cancer detection rate is 64% and slightly higher for some of the more lethal cancers. The test does come at a cost—currently $689, not covered by insurance but eligible for FSA/HSA—but Cancerguard also provides follow-up support to help patients navigate positive results, including scan coverage up to $6,000 if needed. For those who want to be proactive with their health, that added support could make the next step feel less overwhelming.

PODCAST NOTES 

• The Cancerguard blood test represents a significant advancement in early cancer detection, capable of screening for 50 different types of cancer. This wide scope includes some of the deadliest forms, contributing to early intervention efforts before symptoms would normally appear. For many people, this could be the difference between a manageable condition and an advanced, life-threatening diagnosis.

• Cancerguard is specifically designed and indicated for adults between the ages of 50 and 84, which is the demographic in which most cancers develop. It’s important that patients who seek this test do not have a known cancer diagnosis within the last three years, to ensure that the results are both valid and useful for screening purposes rather than monitoring existing conditions.

• Unlike many previous tests that focus on just one biomarker, Cancerguard simultaneously analyzes both circulating tumor DNA and tumor-associated protein levels found in the blood. This dual approach improves its ability to pick up signals of cancer earlier, as different types and stages of cancer can release varied substances into the bloodstream.

• Specificity matters in cancer screening because false positives can lead to unnecessary worry, follow-up testing, and sometimes invasive procedures. Cancerguard’s reported 97% specificity means the test is highly accurate at recognizing when cancer is not present, which helps keep false-positive results low. In other words, when the test does not detect a cancer signal, that result can offer helpful reassurance—while still being used alongside regular recommended screenings.

• Sensitivity, or the test’s ability to correctly identify true cases of cancer, stands at 64% overall for Cancerguard. Importantly, in six high-mortality cancers—esophageal, liver, lung, ovarian, pancreatic, and stomach—the sensitivity jumps to a substantial 68%, providing significant value in catching these particularly lethal cancers early when treatments are more effective.

• Despite its wide reach, Cancerguard does have limitations. It is not meant for breast, prostate, brain (glioblastoma), or skin cancers, and does not assess for precancerous lesions. Patients should continue to utilize traditional screening modalities for these cancer types and understand that Cancerguard should be seen as an additional layer of defense rather than a total replacement.

• The Cancerguard test has not yet received FDA approval, which means that it is not covered by insurance. Nevertheless, it is available as a lab-developed test, with quality performance overseen by the American College of Pathology and CLIA regulations. At $689 per test, it is eligible for FSA and HSA, and patients should factor in cost alongside their risk tolerance and desire for early knowledge.

• Perhaps one of the most reassuring aspects of Cancerguard is the robust follow-up support offered after a positive result. If you do receive a positive test, the company provides guidance to both physicians and patients, often facilitating necessary imaging studies and, when insurance does not cover these scans, offering up to $6,000 in assistance to ensure you receive the next steps in care without additional financial burden.

The future of cancer detection is here, and while no test is perfect, Cancerguard brings us closer to a world where we can catch deadly cancers before they become symptomatic and difficult to treat. Screening is a vital part of prevention—an area where medicine continues to evolve rapidly.

 If you’re between 50 and 84 and want to be proactive about your health, talk to your provider about whether Cancerguard is right for you. At Performance Medicine, our mission is always to stay ahead in protecting your health, so don’t hesitate to reach out and see how these advances can work for you. Your future health could depend on actions you take today—let’s be proactive together.

Stay educated. Stay healthy. 

Till next week. 

P.S. June 18 from 9AM-NOON we are having a Cancerguard event. Email Shelby@performancemedicine.net if you want to get the blood test drawn that day. $689 for the test. HSA eligible.