Cancer Detection Blood Test: My Experience
- Based on the provided text, the Galleri test can detect indolent cancers like Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), which are slow-growing and sometimes monitored rather than immediately treated.
- However, the article emphasizes that a positive result from the Galleri test is not a diagnosis.
- the key takeaway is that the test finds these slow-growing cancers, but it doesn't dictate treatment; that decision is made by you and your doctor.
Based on the provided text, the Galleri test can detect indolent cancers like Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), which are slow-growing and sometimes monitored rather than immediately treated.
However, the article emphasizes that a positive result from the Galleri test is not a diagnosis. Doctors are not overly concerned about overdiagnosis as the test only flags a positive signal in about 1% of people. Further testing (imaging, perhaps biopsy) is always needed too confirm a cancer diagnosis and determine the appropriate course of action - whether thatS treatment, monitoring, or determining it’s an indolent cancer that doesn’t require immediate intervention.
the key takeaway is that the test finds these slow-growing cancers, but it doesn’t dictate treatment; that decision is made by you and your doctor. The goal is to identify more aggressive cancers that do need treatment while being prepared to handle the anxiety and follow-up needed for positive results, even for indolent cancers.