A new cancer screening test that has gained national attention, plus a genetic testing opportunity, will be available starting November 2.
The Morrison Cancer Center in Hastings and Grand Island, plus Hastings Family Care, are offering the Galleri® Multi-Cancer Early Detection (MCED) test. This test uses bloodwork to detect the presence of more than 50 types of cancer. If a cancer signal is found in the blood, the test can
often pinpoint its origin in the body to help the care team develop next steps for treatment or additional testing.
The MCED test is recommended for adults with an elevated cancer risk. These include adults over age 50 or those with:
- Obesity
- Diabetes
- Smoking history
- Heavy alcohol use
- Family history of cancer
- Personal history of cancer (diagnosed more than three years ago)
- Environmental exposure
- Immunosuppression
Because the test is not yet fully FDA approved, most insurance does not cover the cost. Patients should discuss with their primary care provider whether they are eligible for the test. Payment options are available through Galleri®.
Appointments for the test can be made by calling Hastings Family Care at 402-463-2929 or the
Morrison Cancer Center in Hastings or Grand Island, 402-460-5899 or 308-384-2446.
For more information about the test, please see www.galleri.com.
In addition, Hastings Family Care is offering the MyRisk® test by Myriad Genetics, which provides information about a patient’s long-term cancer risk. The test analyzes 63 genes associated with 11 hereditary cancers. When combined with your personal and family health history, this information can help with more informed conversations about screening and prevention.
Anyone can request the genetic test. Some insurance covers hereditary cancer testing, and many patients end up paying little or nothing for the testing, according to information from Myriad Genetics. Online consultation with genetic counselors is available.
Neither the MCED nor genetic test should replace regular cancer screening tests. MLH continues to offer regular screening options for many cancers. In addition, other genetic testing options continue to be available through the Morrison Cancer Center.
| Galleri MCED | Myriad MyRisk | |
| Primary purpose | Looks for signs of cancer that may be in the body right now and suggests where the cancer may be coming from. | Looks for inherited gene changes that may make a person more likely to develop certain cancers. |
| What questions it answers | “Is there a cancer signal in the body now, and where might it be coming from?” | “Do I carry an inherited variant that increases my risk for certain cancers?” |
| Cancer/gene scope | Looks for a cancer signal linked to more than 50 types of cancer. It cannot find every cancer. | Checks 63 genes linked to inherited risk for several types of cancer. |
| Typical population | Generally considered for adults at higher risk for cancer, including people age 50 and older. | People whose personal or family history suggests cancer could run in the family. |
| Specimen | Blood draw. | Peripheral whole blood or saliva; NCBI GTR also lists fibroblasts as an accepted specimen source. |
| Price, coverage & payment | $599. Currently covered only by TRICARE. Broader insurance coverage may be possible following anticipated FDA action, but future coverage is not guaranteed. Payment plans available. GRAIL handles patient payment directly; the clinic collects nothing up front. | For patients who meet the screening/approval process, approximately 90% are covered at $0 out of pocket. An estimate is emailed to the patient within two to four days of specimen collection – patients are responsible for email response before blood will be tested. Maximum expected patient cost: $249. Payment plans available. Myriad handles patient payment directly; the clinic collects nothing up front. |
| Result focus | Reports whether a cancer signal was found. If one is found, the test suggests where in the body it may be coming from so the provider can decide what testing is needed next. | Shows whether an inherited gene change linked to cancer risk was found. Results may help guide future screening and may also be important for family members. |
| Does it diagnose cancer? | No. If a cancer signal is found, more testing is needed to find out whether cancer is actually present. | No. It tells you about inherited cancer risk, not whether you have cancer right now. |
| Does it predict inherited future risk? | No. It looks for a cancer signal now, not an inherited risk of getting cancer later. | Yes. It looks for inherited gene changes that can raise future cancer risk. |
| Role alongside standard screening | It does not replace regular cancer screenings such as mammograms or colon cancer screening. | Results may change how often or early someone should be screened. It does not replace regular cancer screenings. |
| Important limitations | The test can miss cancer or show a signal when cancer is not found. A negative result does not guarantee that a person is cancer-free. | A negative result does not mean a person will never get cancer. Personal and family history still matter. |
| Practical use cases | A person at higher risk wants an additional blood test that looks for signals from many types of cancer. | A person has a personal or family history of cancer and wants to know whether an inherited gene change could be the reason. |
