When you cross over into your 50s and beyond, like it or not your risk for developing cancer increases. If you’re health-conscious, you try to schedule the recommended screening tests: mammogram, Pap smear, skin check, colonoscopy or Cologuard, and lung CT scan for smokers.
However, a new blood test changes the odds. I’ve written about this before but making every one aware has become increasingly important. There was a segment last night on NBC Nightly News with Lester Holt about the Galleri test, which is designated for patients at a higher risk for cancer. This includes (but not limited to) the following categories:.
- 50 years old+ (13 times more likely to be diagnosed with cancer after 50)
- Cancer survivor (preferably 3 years post last treatment)
- Family history of cancer
- Hereditary cancer mutation
- Tobacco use (past of present)
- Obese diabetic using insulin
- HPV/Hep C/HIV positive
- Transplant recipients taking immunosuppressants
The Galleri test is a simple blood draw that can be done at WholeHealth Chicago or any local lab. It looks for more than 50 types of cancer and has a remarkably low false-positive rate of 0.5%. Read my past Health Tip.
If you fall into any of these categories or are simply interested in getting tested, schedule with us at WholeHealth Chicago for a test. Be sure to also schedule a follow up and we’ll walk you through the results.
Be Well,
David Edelberg, MD