Galleri by Grail
A New Approach to Looking for Cancer Signals in the Blood
Cancer does not always cause symptoms in its early stages, and many cancers do not currently have recommended routine screening tests.
The Galleri® multi-cancer early detection test is a blood test designed to look for a cancer signal shared by many different types of cancer. The test analyzes DNA fragments in the bloodstream that may have been shed by cancer cells.
At Synergy Health Advisors, Galleri can be incorporated into a comprehensive, physician-guided approach to preventive health and cancer risk assessment.
What is Galleri by GRAIL?
Galleri is a multi-cancer early detection (MCED) test developed by GRAIL. Through a single blood draw, the test looks for DNA patterns associated with cancer and can screen for a signal shared by more than 50 types of cancer.
Unlike conventional screening tests that focus on one type of cancer, Galleri looks for a shared cancer signal across multiple cancer types.
The test may be particularly valuable because many cancers currently do not have established routine screening tests.
How Does Galleri Work?
Cancer cells can shed DNA fragments into the bloodstream. Galleri analyzes these fragments to determine whether a pattern associated with cancer may be present.
If a cancer signal is detected, the test can also provide a predicted Cancer Signal Origin (CSO), indicating where in the body the signal is most likely coming from. This information can help guide a healthcare provider’s next steps in evaluating the result.
Galleri is a screening test—it does not diagnose cancer.
If a cancer signal is detected, additional diagnostic testing, such as imaging or other medically appropriate evaluation, is required to determine whether cancer is actually present.
Why Consider Multi-Cancer Early Detection?
Traditional cancer screening remains extremely important. Recommended screening tests exist for cancers such as breast, cervical, colorectal, lung in eligible individuals, and prostate cancer.
However, many other cancers do not currently have recommended screening tests for people without symptoms.
Galleri provides an additional tool that may help identify a cancer signal from multiple cancer types in a single blood test. It is intended to be used in addition to—not instead of—recommended cancer screenings.
What Cancers Does Galleri Screen For?
Galleri has been studied for its ability to detect a cancer signal shared across more than 50 cancer types.
These include cancers arising in areas such as:
- Pancreas
- Ovary
- Liver and bile duct
- Stomach
- Esophagus
- Lung
- Colon and rectum
- Head and neck
- Bladder
- And other tissues and organs
The test does not detect a signal for every cancer, and not every cancer will necessarily be detectable through a blood-based test.
Who Is Galleri For?
Galleri is recommended for adults with an elevated risk of cancer, such as adults age 50 and older. Risk may also be influenced by factors such as smoking history, obesity, diabetes, and other considerations.
Galleri is available by prescription and is not intended for everyone.
It is not recommended for individuals who are:
- 21 years old or younger
- Pregnant
- Undergoing active cancer treatment
Your healthcare provider can help determine whether Galleri is appropriate based on your individual risk factors and medical history.
What Happens During the Test?
Galleri requires a simple blood draw.
At Synergy Health Advisors, we can discuss your cancer risk profile, review your current screening history, and determine whether the test may be appropriate for you.
The blood sample is then processed through the GRAIL laboratory.
Galleri and Preventive Health at Synergy
At Synergy Health Advisors, we believe preventive care should be proactive and personalized.
Galleri may be one component of a broader preventive health strategy that includes your medical history, family history, traditional cancer screenings, laboratory testing, lifestyle factors, and individualized risk assessment.
Our goal is to help you understand your options and make informed decisions about your health.