Healthy Living
Multi-Cancer Early Detection Test
A new era of cancer screening is here.
We are excited to announce for our members the availability of a new revolutionary blood test for early cancer detection.
This cutting-edge technology allows for the EARLY detection of up to 50 different types of cancer before it would otherwise be found.
One of our key goals at Empowered Health is to promote wellness and be on the leading edge of preventive healthcare. As such, we are excited about the impact this test could have on our patients’ health.
We know that we are more likely to survive cancer if we find it at an earlier stage. However, effective screening protocols to find cancer at an early stage have only been approved for a few types of cancer, such as colon, breast, cervical and a handful of others. So, unfortunately, most types of cancer are detected only when symptoms present themselves, when survival rates are much lower.
We will recommend this test for adults aged 50 or older or for younger individuals with a higher-than-usual risk of cancer. The test is intended to be used in addition to, but not replace, other cancer screening tests that are currently recommended.
Learn more about the test with Dr. Schneider, click here.
How does it work? The test is done with a blood draw. The sample is sent to the testing faciilty where they look for the genetic changes that happen to the DNA when a normal cell turns to cancer. When a cancer cell finishes its lifespan, it releases this abnormal DNA into the bloodstream. “Cell-free DNA” is then isolated by the test for identification.
It detects the actual presence of cancer; not simply the risk for cancer. If the test identifies cancer, further scans,
biopsies, and other procedures will be necessary to confirm and then stage the cancer.
The test is highly specific, having a less-than 1% false positive detection rate. It can be performed annually and is very low risk test.
As of now, this is not covered by Medicare or any third-party health plan. The cost is $949. Contact your Empowered Heath provider to discuss if this test is right for you.
Jessica Schneider, MD
Why Empowered Health.
Time between patient and physician is dictated increasingly by the health system and insurance reimbursement. At Empowered Health, we take a membership approach to primary care in Tri-Cities that challenges the standard healthcare model.
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