Emergent Science: Multi-Cancer Early Detection Tests

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"We support evidence-based development of innovative strategies for early detection that have the potential to improve lives. When there is FDA approval and clear demonstration of clinical benefit, we believe that equitable access to these new technologies is imperative."
- Dr. Karen Knudsen, CEO, ACS CAN

Early screening for cancer is important because when detected at later stages, treatments are more limited, and outcomes are generally poorer. While more research is needed to assess the impact on outcomes, newer, innovative multi-cancer screening technology may have the potential to detect more cancers at earlier stages. Several private and academic entities are currently developing multi-cancer early detection blood-based tests. Published data indicate that some of these tests can screen for many cancers at the same time, including some rare cancers.

They call it a Multi-Cancer Early Detection (MCED) test. We call it a potentially innovative, game-changing advancement for cancer patients.

Now we need to ensure that, if approved by the FDA and shown to have clinical benefit, millions of people, especially older Americans at higher risk for cancer, will have the test covered by their health insurance plan. We are asking Congress to pass legislation that lays the groundwork for this to happen.

Latest Updates

February 6, 2023
National

Ahead of the President’s State of the Union Address, the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) is calling on the President to emphasize the need for continued bipartisan support for increased federal investment in the fight against cancer.

March 1, 2022
Colorado

A virtual event held by ACS CAN and U.S. Sen. Michael Bennet highlighted the promise of new blood-based cancer screening technologies that have the potential to dramatically increase early-stage diagnosis for a wide range of cancers and called on Congress to pass the Multi-Cancer Early Detection Screening Coverage (MCED) Act.

February 2, 2022

The President announced this morning he is ‘reigniting’ his commitment to ‘end cancer as we know it,’ building on the initial and robust cancer moonshot investment in discovery, prioritizing increased uptake of prevention and addressing health disparities.

January 18, 2022
New York

Governor Hochul has released her Executive Budget for the next fiscal year. ACS CAN is asking for increases in funding for the Cancer Services Program and tobacco control.