Early Cancer Detection: Exploring the Galleri® Test with Dr. Khanh

I’ve seen firsthand how much early detection can change lives. Cancer is a word no one wants to hear, but catching it early can make all the difference. That’s why I’m so excited to offer the Galleri® test—an Early Cancer Detection test—right here in my office. 

This innovative blood test is a powerful tool designed to spot cancer signals before symptoms even appear. I want to walk you through what the Galleri® test is, what cancers it looks for, who might benefit from it, and why early detection matters so much in regenerative medicine. Let’s get started.

What Is the Galleri® Test?

The Galleri® test is an Early Cancer Detection test that uses a single blood draw to screen for signals of more than 50 types of cancer. It’s not your typical screening—it doesn’t look for one specific cancer at a time, like a mammogram or colonoscopy does. Instead, it analyzes DNA fragments in your blood, known as cell-free DNA, that cancer cells shed. 

By examining patterns in this DNA, the test can detect a shared “cancer signal” across many cancer types. If it finds something, it even predicts where in the body the signal might be coming from, helping guide the next steps.

I offer this test in my office because it fits perfectly with my approach to regenerative health—focusing on proactive care to keep you well. It’s not a diagnostic test, meaning it doesn’t confirm cancer on its own. If a signal is detected, we’d follow up with additional tests, like imaging, to get a clear picture. The beauty of this Early Cancer Detection test is its ability to catch potential issues early, when options for care are often more effective.

What Cancers Does Galleri® Test For?

One of the most common questions I hear is, “What cancers can this Early Cancer Detection test find?” The Galleri® test screens for over 50 types of cancer, many of which don’t have routine screening options. This includes some of the toughest ones to catch early, like pancreatic, ovarian, esophageal, and liver cancers. 

It also looks for cancers of the head and neck, lung, stomach, and even rarer types like sarcomas or bile duct cancers. The full list is impressive, and it’s designed to cover cancers responsible for a significant portion of deaths—about two-thirds, according to research.

What’s unique about this test is that it doesn’t just stop at detection. If a cancer signal is found, it provides a clue about its likely origin—say, the pancreas or lungs—so we know where to focus our follow-up. 

Of course, it doesn’t catch every cancer, and no test is perfect. False positives and negatives can happen, which is why we use it alongside other recommended screenings, like mammograms or PSA tests, not as a replacement.

Who Should Have This Testing Done?

Another question I get a lot is, “Is the Galleri® test right for me?” The Galleri® Early Cancer Detection test is recommended for adults at higher risk for cancer, particularly those aged 50 and older. Age is a big factor—after 50, your risk of cancer jumps significantly, with adults in this group being 13 times more likely to develop it compared to younger folks.

But risk isn’t just about age. If you have a family history of cancer, certain lifestyle factors, or other health conditions that increase your odds, this test might be worth considering.

I don’t recommend it for everyone. If you’re pregnant, under 21, or currently undergoing cancer treatment, this isn’t the right fit—those situations can affect the results.

For my patients, I take a personalized approach. We talk about your history, your concerns, and your goals for staying healthy. If you’re someone who wants to be proactive about your health, especially if routine screenings don’t cover all your risks, the Galleri® test could be a valuable addition to your care plan.

Why Early Cancer Detection Matters

In my practice, I’ve always believed that catching problems early is the key to better outcomes. The Galleri® test is a perfect example of an Early Cancer Detection test that aligns with this philosophy. Here’s why it’s so important:

• Timely Intervention: Finding cancer before symptoms show up often means we can act sooner, when the disease is more manageable. Early-stage cancers typically have more options and better success rates.
• Tailored Care and Management Approach: With the Galleri test’s ability to predict a cancer’s origin, we can customize your next steps—whether that’s a scan, a specialist referral, or monitoring—based on what we find.
• Disease Monitoring: For those at higher risk, this test offers a way to keep an eye on things over time, giving us data to track your health.
• Cost Savings: Catching cancer early can reduce the need for extensive, costly interventions later. It’s an investment in your future well-being.
• Patient Well-being: Knowing you’re taking steps to stay ahead of cancer can ease anxiety and empower you to focus on living well.
• Research and Development: Tools like Galleri push medical science forward, helping us learn more about cancer and how to fight it.

I’ve seen how much peace of mind early detection can bring my patients. It’s not about fear—it’s about taking control.

How Does It Work in My Office?

If you’re interested in the Galleri® test, here’s how it works with me. We start with a conversation to see if it’s a good fit for you.

If it is, I’ll order the test—it’s just a quick blood draw, no fasting required. The sample goes to a certified lab, and in about two weeks, we get the results. You’ll either see “No Cancer Signal Detected,” which is what we hope for, or “Cancer Signal Detected,” which means we’ll plan the next steps together.

Either way, I’m here to guide you through it.

Commonly Asked Questions

Patients often ask, “How accurate is it?” The Galleri® test has a low false-positive rate—less than 1%—which means it rarely flags something that isn’t there. Its sensitivity varies by cancer type and stage, picking up more aggressive cancers earlier.

Another question is, “Should I still do my other screenings?” Absolutely—Galleri® complements, not replaces, things like colonoscopies or mammograms. And finally, “How often should I take it?” For those at risk, once a year can make sense, but we’ll decide that based on your unique situation.

Final Thoughts

The Galleri® Early Cancer Detection test is a tool I’m proud to offer because it reflects what I’ve learned in 20 years of medicine: staying ahead of disease is the best way to protect your health.

Cancer doesn’t wait, but with tests like this, we don’t have to either. If you’re curious about whether it’s right for you, let’s talk.

My office is here to help you navigate your options and keep you thriving. Call us today 512-991-5260—I’d love to discuss how we can work together for your wellness.