Multi-Cancer Screening Test Expands Access to Early Detection

A new blood test designed to help detect multiple types of cancer earlier is now being offered through the digital health platform Hims & Hers. The test, called the Hims & Hers Multi-Cancer Test by Galleri, produced by GRAIL, Inc., is designed to screen for signals linked to more than 50 types of cancer, including some cancers that currently do not have standard screening tests.

“Even though cancer screening technology has advanced significantly, there are still too many life-changing diagnoses that should have been made earlier. Access to innovation is the key to changing that,” said Andrew Dudum, co-founder and CEO at Hims & Hers. “World-class care should be available to everyone, not just those with the time and resources to navigate the traditional system. Our platform brings together the best the health care industry has to offer in order to close the access gap, and our work with GRAIL is a critical part of delivering cutting-edge care to everyone.”

Cancer remains one of the most common health concerns worldwide. Experts estimate that more than one in three people will develop cancer during their lifetime. Early detection is one of the most important factors in improving survival and treatment success. While recommended screenings already exist for several cancers, such as breast, cervical, colorectal, prostate and lung cancer, many other cancers, including pancreatic and ovarian cancer, are often diagnosed at later stages when symptoms appear and treatment can be more difficult.

The test analyzes a blood sample for biological signals associated with cancer across the body and searches for fragments of genetic material that tumors can release into the bloodstream. If a cancer signal is detected, the test can also help predict where in the body the cancer may be located, which may help guide next steps in evaluation and diagnosis.

The test is intended to be used alongside, not as a replacement for, recommended cancer screenings. Experts stress that individuals should continue routine screenings such as mammograms, colonoscopies and Pap tests, which remain proven methods for detecting certain cancers early.

One goal of expanding access to multi-cancer early detection (MCED) testing is to help identify cancers before symptoms develop. Detecting cancer at earlier stages can often lead to more treatment options and better outcomes. By offering the test through a digital health care platform, Hims & Hers aims to make advanced cancer screening technology more widely available to individuals seeking proactive health care options.

Like any screening test, the Galleri test has limitations. It does not detect every type of cancer, and results are not considered a cancer diagnosis. False positive results, where a test suggests cancer when it is not present, and false negative results, where cancer exists but is not detected, can occur. Because of these limitations, abnormal results require follow-up testing and evaluation by health care providers.

Currently, the test is available to Hims & Hers customers as an add-on to certain laboratory testing plans and is offered at a discounted price compared with the standard list cost. Individuals interested in the test should speak with health care professionals to determine whether multi-cancer screening is appropriate based on their age, personal risk factors and family history.

As research into MCED testing continues, health care experts hope that these technologies may play an increasing role in cancer prevention and early detection strategies. However, maintaining regular medical care, recommended screenings and open communication with health care providers remain essential for comprehensive cancer prevention and early diagnosis.

The test is not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and is not currently available in all 50 states.

“We know that cancers found early, before they’ve spread, can potentially have better outcomes than those caught later after the cancer has spread,” said Pat Carroll, M.D., chief medical officer at Hims & Hers. “With access to this new, innovative screening technology, we’re empowering customers to tackle health challenges when treatment can be more manageable and more successful. This is a meaningful step toward helping people live happier, healthier lives.”