Ochsner Health is the leading nonprofit healthcare provider in the Gulf South. Ochsner inspires healthier lives and stronger communities through our mission to serve, heal, lead, educate and innovate.
Multi-Cancer Early Detection Testing
Ochsner Health is participating in national clinical research studies that evaluate the safety and performance of multi-cancer early detection tests. These studies also aim to better understand factors that may influence patient participation in this type of screening.
We are currently enrolling participants in South Louisiana. If you live in the Greater New Orleans, North Shore, Baton Rouge or Lafayette areas and are interested in learning more, please call 504-703-4440 or email REACH.study@ochsner.org. A member of our research team will contact you to determine if you may be eligible. Enrollment cannot be guaranteed due to high interest.
In addition to these research studies, Ochsner offers the Galleri® test as an elective, self-pay option for patients who wish to pursue testing outside of a clinical trial. Please note that this test is not currently covered by insurance. For more information, contact genomics@ochsner.org. Ochsner remains committed to advancing clinical research and improving the health of our communities through innovative studies and patient partnerships.
FAQs
What is a multi-cancer early detection test?
A multi-cancer early detection test is a cancer prediction test that can be used in addition to traditional cancer screening tests. It requires a blood draw and tests for more than 50 different cancers by looking for cancer DNA that may be circulating in the blood.
Who can get a multi-cancer early detection test?
Multi-cancer early detection tests are recommended for adults with an elevated risk of cancer, age 50 and older. The test is available to anyone over the age of 21 who is not under current treatment for cancer.
How much does a multi-cancer early detection test cost?
Because the test is not covered by insurance, the out of pocket cost is $800. Payment will be expected prior to specimen collection.
What could multi-cancer early detection test results say?
The results could say “cancer signal detected” which means that the test has identified cancer cells in your body, or it could say say “cancer signal not detected” which means that it did not identify any cancer cells in the blood.
If the test says "cancer signal detected" do I have cancer?
The answer is very likely yes. The Galleri® test offered at Ocshner has shown a greater than 99% accuracy when a positive result is detected. If the test detects cancer, it will report where in the body the cancer is most likely to be. This will allow your medical team to complete further testing which will include diagnostic imaging tests to first visualize if cancer is seen, then followed by a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis. You will be referred to a medical oncologist who will determine what else is needed for your care.
What happens if they don’t see cancer on diagnostic imaging?
There have been rare cases where the test identifies a cancer signal, but no cancer can be found on diagnostic imaging. In these rare cases, the multi-cancer early detection test may have identified the cancer cells in very early stages that are so small they are not able to be seen yet on imaging, or it could be a false positive result. In this scenario, the Galleri test will be repeated in 3-6 months. If the test still identifies a cancer signal, then imaging will be repeated.
If results say cancer signal not detected, am I cancer-free?
Not necessarily. The test looks for signals present in the blood at the time of your blood draw and not all cancers are detected by the Galleri® test.
In addition, the less advanced the cancer, the less precise the test is. In other words, the test is less likely to detect a stage 1 cancer than it is to detect a stage 3 or 4 cancer.
Some cancers are in general harder to detect than others regardless of stage. Therefore, it is critical to continue your normal care with your doctor and recommended cancer screenings based on your personal and family history of cancer.
How often can I get a multi-cancer early detection test?
There are currently no set guidelines, but we would not recommend any more frequently than once per year at this time.
