By Jodi Schweiger, RDN, LD, CDCES, Executive Director Business Development, The Iowa Clinic
Â
What if… you found cancer early enough to make a difference? The Iowa Clinic is excited to be the first in the state of Iowa to offer the Galleri® test and are aiming to help you do just that.
What is Galleri®?
Galleri® is a multi-cancer early detection test geared toward identifying DNA shed by cancer cells to screen for some of the deadliest cancers before becoming symptomatic. The goal of this test is to arm patients with time to seek medical intervention quickly and giving them the best possible chance at remission.
Galleri® looks for a shared cancer signal across more than 50 types of cancer through a minimally invasive blood draw making it a simple addition to your routine healthcare visit.
Aren’t there screenings for cancer already?
Around 70 percent of cancer deaths are caused by cancers not commonly screened for. Only five cancers have recommended screenings:
- Breast
- Cervical
- Colorectal
- Lung
- Prostate
Adding a multi-cancer early detection test in addition to these recommended screenings can improve your chance of catching cancer early enough to fight it. Cancer found at an early stage is more likely to be treated successfully.
Should I consider the Galleri test?
The Galleri test is recommended for adults with an elevated risk for cancer, such as those aged 50 or older. It is not recommended if you are pregnant, 21 years old or younger, or undergoing active cancer treatment.
Click here for more information about Galleri.
What if Galleri finds something concerning?
The good news about early detection is that it gives you the gift of time and being able to act quickly a receive further guidance. A test result showing the detection of a cancer signal requires a confirmatory diagnostic evaluation by medically established procedures, such as imaging, to confirm a cancer diagnosis.
Ok, I’m in. What’s next?
Galleri can be easily incorporated into your routine healthcare visit. Simply visit your Iowa Clinic Primary Care Physician to request the test. From there, you’ll be able to stop over at one of our Iowa Clinic labs to have your blood drawn. Galleri test results can take 10-14 business days to come back.
If you are interested in the Galleri test, contact your provider via the FollowMyHealth portal, call us at 515.875.9000Â or talk with your physician at your next appointment to get the ball rolling toward early detection.
Galleri is a registered trademark of GRAIL, LLC, and is manufactured by GRAIL.