What Is an MCED Test? Multi-Cancer Early Detection Explained
What Is an MCED Test? Multi-Cancer Early Detection Explained
Written By: Dr. Diana Rangaves, PharmD
Early detection is one of the most effective strategies in the fight against cancer. Traditionally, cancer screenings have focused on individual cancers like breast, cervical, or colon cancer.
But what if a single blood test could detect multiple cancers at once, including those that currently lack routine screening methods? That’s the promise of multi-cancer early detection (MCED) tests—a new frontier in cancer screening.[1]
Here, we’ll explore what MCED tests are, how they work, who they are for, and what you should consider before taking one.
What Is an MCED Test?
An MCED test is a blood-based screening tool that detects signals associated with multiple types of cancer from a single blood draw. MCED stands for multi-cancer early detection. These tests analyze cell-free DNA (cfDNA) in the blood to look for patterns that indicate the presence of cancer.[2]
Unlike traditional cancer screenings that typically detect one cancer at a time, MCED tests can identify dozens of cancers simultaneously, including cancers that currently have no recommended routine screening protocols, such as pancreatic or ovarian cancer.[1,2]
How Does an MCED Blood Test Work?
MCED tests collect a blood sample and analyze the cfDNA that circulates in the bloodstream. When cells die, they release fragments of DNA into the blood. In people with cancer, tumor cells shed DNA with distinctive chemical changes called methylation patterns.[9]
Machine learning algorithms analyze these methylation patterns to detect whether a cancer signal is present and to predict the cancer’s tissue of origin.[2,9] Results are typically classified as:
- Positive – when a cancer signal is detected
- Negative – when no cancer signal is detected
- Indeterminate or inconclusive – in rare cases
Like all screening tools, MCED tests carry a risk of false positives (suggesting cancer when none is present) and false negatives (missing a cancer that is present).[1]
Which Cancers Can an MCED Test Detect?
The leading MCED test currently on the market, Galleri®, claims to detect signals from more than 50 types of cancer. These include:[1–3]
- Pancreatic
- Ovarian
- Lung
- Liver
- Breast
- Skin
- Prostate
Many of these cancers are typically diagnosed at later stages due to a lack of symptoms or existing screening methods. MCED testing offers a chance to catch them earlier.[1,2]
Who Should Consider an MCED Test?
Researchers are currently studying MCED testing as a potential tool for early cancer detection across diverse populations, particularly because cancer risk increases with age.[4]
Other individuals who might be interested include:
- People with a strong family history of cancer
- Individuals with known genetic risk factors
- Adults aged 50 or older
- Those seeking to supplement traditional screening with a broader approach
MCED tests are not approved as a replacement for existing cancer screenings (such as mammograms or colonoscopies) but may offer an additional layer of early detection.[1]
Are MCED Tests Covered by Insurance?
Currently, insurance in the United States does not widely cover MCED tests like Galleri® because these tests are relatively new and national guidelines have not yet endorsed them.[1]
Galleri tests have not been approved by the FDA, but Galleri is available as a lab-developed test (LDT) under Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) regulations.[1] Ongoing clinical trials may change coverage and guideline recommendations in the future.
The out-of-pocket price for an MCED test typically ranges from $800 to $950.[5]
How Do MCED Tests Compare to Other Cancer Screenings?
Traditional screening methods (for example, Pap smears, mammograms, and colonoscopies) are proven and targeted, often detecting early signs of cancer in specific organs.[6] However, they only screen for a few types of cancer.
MCED tests can detect multiple types of cancer in one blood draw and provide information about the likely tissue of origin. But they are less established and still undergoing validation in large-scale clinical trials.[1]
Liquid Biopsy
Liquid biopsies and MCED tests are similar in that they both analyze blood for tumor DNA. However, healthcare providers typically use liquid biopsies after a cancer diagnosis to monitor disease progression or treatment response, whereas MCED tests are intended for early detection before any symptoms arise.[2,7]
Accuracy and Limitations
MCED tests have shown promising accuracy, but no test is perfect. Clinical studies show a low false-positive rate (under 1%) and reasonable sensitivity depending on the cancer type and stage.[8]
Limitations include:
- False negatives: A cancer may not shed enough DNA to be detected.
- False positives: Though rare, false positives can lead to additional diagnostic procedures.
- Uncertainty: A positive test requires follow-up imaging and/or biopsy to confirm diagnosis.
Because of these limitations, experts recommend MCED testing be used as a complement, not a substitute, for established screenings.[1,2]
How to Get an MCED Test
You can get an MCED test through healthcare providers or specialty labs. If you’re interested in taking one, you will typically:
- Talk to your healthcare provider about your risk factors and whether the test is appropriate for you.
- Provide a blood sample at a participating lab or clinic.
- Wait for results.
- Follow up on any positive or inconclusive results with further testing.
Some companies also offer telehealth options to order the test, but it’s recommended to involve your healthcare provider to help interpret results and coordinate follow-up care.[1]
FAQs About MCED Tests
What is an MCED blood test?
It is a blood-based screening tool that detects signals from multiple types of cancer by analyzing cfDNA methylation patterns.[1]
How much do MCED tests cost?
Most MCED tests cost around $950 and are not typically covered by insurance at this time.[5]
What is the best test for detecting all cancers?
No single test detects all cancers perfectly. MCED tests are currently the most comprehensive early detection tools available, but they still have limitations.[1]
What blood test detects 50 cancers?
Galleri® is a leading MCED test that can detect signals from more than 50 types of cancer.[3]
What is the difference between MCED and liquid biopsy?
MCED tests are designed for early detection before diagnosis. Liquid biopsies are generally used after a cancer diagnosis to monitor treatment or detect recurrence.[1,7]
How Everlywell Can Support Your Health Journey
While Everlywell does not currently offer MCED testing, we provide a variety of lab tests that empower you to take a proactive role in your health.
From hormone panels to inflammation markers and overall wellness screenings, our tests can help you track changes in your body and identify when to consult a medical provider.
Explore the full range of at-home lab tests at Everlywell and start building a personalized approach to preventive health.
References
- American Cancer Society. Multi-cancer early detection tests. Accessed July 10, 2025. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/screening/multi-cancer-early-detection-tests.html
- Mauracher J. What are multi-cancer early detection (MCED) tests, and should you get one? MD Anderson Cancer Center. August 2023. Accessed July 10, 2025. https://www.mdanderson.org/cancerwise/what-are-multi-cancer-early-detection--mced--tests--and-should-you-get-one.h00-159621012.html
- GRAIL, LLC. Multi-cancer early detection. Accessed July 10, 2025. https://grail.com/multi-cancer-early-detection
- Gelhorn H, Ross MM, Kansal AR, et al. Patient preferences for multi-cancer early detection screening tests. Patient. 2022;16(1):43–56. doi:10.1007/s40271-022-00589-5
- GRAIL, LLC. How much does the Galleri test cost? Accessed July 10, 2025. https://www.galleri.com/patient/the-galleri-test/cost
- Cleveland Clinic. Cancer screening. Published May 6, 2025. Accessed July 10, 2025. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diagnostics/24118-cancer-screening
- Cleveland Clinic. Liquid biopsy. Published May 6, 2025. Accessed July 10, 2025. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diagnostics/23992-liquid-biopsy
- GRAIL, LLC. The Galleri multi-cancer early detection test. Accessed October 30, 2025. https://grail.com/galleri-test/
- GRAIL, LLC. Precision oncology. Accessed October 30, 2025. https://grail.com/precision-oncology/