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Mercy Hospital, located in Oklahoma City, is using advanced testing capabilities to detect early signs of more than 50 types of cancer. With a simple blood draw, the Galleri test looks for a shared signal present in the bloodstream that has been associated with many cancers, including those not commonly screened for today. And because it’s so easy to use, the test can be included in a routine visit. Mercy is one of the first hospitals nationwide to offer the lifesaving test.

“Recommended cancer screenings in the U.S. currently cover only five types of cancer - breast, cervical, colon, lung and prostate - and can screen just one at a time,” said Dr. Jay Carlson, clinical chair of Mercy Research, gynecologic oncologist and head of Mercy’s cancer specialty council, in the hospital’s press release. “This innovative test has shown the ability to screen for hard-to-detect, aggressive and often deadly types of cancer like pancreatic, ovarian and esophageal, which oftentimes have no warning signs and are caught too late.”

The Galleri test, which is available by prescription only, is recommended for use in adults with an elevated risk for cancer, such as those aged 50 or older. It is to be used in addition to and not replace other cancer screening tests recommended by health care providers. Because the blood test is not currently covered by insurance and patients will pay out of pocket, Mercy will work with those who qualify for but are unable to pay the total cost of the test.

“Technology continues to push the boundaries on what we are able to do in medicine, making it more predictive, proactive and personalized for patients,” said Dr. John Mohart, Mercy chief clinical officer and communities president, who leads operations for all Mercy hospitals. “Early detection has the potential to give us more years with our loved ones, and that’s invaluable.”

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