Our firm participated in a M Financial pilot group who was given access to the Galleri® test - a breakthrough multi-cancer early detection tool, named best invention of 2022 by TIME. We were more than impressed with the test and innovative approach to cancer detection. Since our participation in the pilot group, we are pleased to announce that several of our carrier partners now offer the Galleri test to clients. John Hancock is one of our carrier partners who has been a trailblazer with its Vitality program and recently announced that eligible policy owners will have access to the Galleri test. We are also participating through our relationship with Nationwide. Our firm, M Financial, and our carrier partners in collaboration with GRAIL, are committed to helping clients live longer, healthier, better lives.
What is the Galleri test?
The Galleri test can screen for more than 50 types of cancer with a single blood draw and indicate where in the body a cancer signal may be coming from. Through the simple blood draw, the Galleri test looks at DNA in your blood to determine if any of it may have come from cancer cells. The Galleri test is intended to be used in addition to, and not replace, other cancer screening tests your healthcare provider recommends. The test does not measure your genetic risk of developing cancer in the future.
Understanding the results
The Galleri test looks for a signal present in the blood that may be associated with cancer at the time of your blood draw. There are two possible results from the Galleri test:
No Cancer Signal Detected: This means that no cancer signal was found; however, not all cancers can be detected by the Galleri test. Be sure to continue with routine recommended cancer screening tests. Missing routine cancer screenings or ignoring symptoms could lead to a delayed diagnosis of cancer.
Cancer Signal Detected: This means that there are signals associated with cancer were detected. Your healthcare provider will discuss appropriate follow-up tests to confirm if cancer is present. The Galleri test does not diagnose cancer.
Around 70% of cancer deaths are caused by cancers not commonly screened for. [1]
We are working with our carrier partners to determine clients who are eligible for the Galleri test and will have updates as the program is rolled out. Please contact us with any questions and to determine if you are eligible for the Galleri Test.
[1] Modeled data extrapolated to 2020 US population ages 50 – 79. Screening includes methods with United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) A, B, or C rating (breast, colon, cervical, prostate, and lung). Data from Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) 18 Regs Research Data, Nov 2017 Submission. Estimated deaths per year in 2020 from American Cancer Society Cancer Facts and Figures 2020.
Important Safety Information from Galleri:
The Galleri test is recommended for use in adults with an elevated risk for cancer, such as those aged 50 or older. The Galleri test does not detect all cancers and should be used in addition to routine cancer screening tests recommended by a healthcare provider. Galleri is intended to detect cancer signals and predict where in the body the cancer signal is located. Use of Galleri is not recommended in individuals who are pregnant, 21 years old or younger, or undergoing active cancer treatment. Results should be interpreted by a healthcare provider in the context of medical history, clinical signs and symptoms. A test result of “No Cancer Signal Detected” does not rule out cancer. A test result of “Cancer Signal Detected” requires confirmatory diagnostic evaluation by medically established procedures (e.g. imaging) to confirm cancer. If cancer is not confirmed with further testing, it could mean that cancer is not present or testing was insufficient to detect cancer, including due to the cancer being located in a different part of the body. False-positive (a cancer signal detected when cancer is not present) and false-negative (a cancer signal not detected when cancer is present) test results do occur. Rx only.
The Galleri test has been developed and its performance characteristics determined by the CLIA certified and CAP accredited GRAIL clinical laboratory performing the test. The Galleri test has not been cleared or approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Comments