How it works

Reveal what's hidden in your biology

Detect microscopic changes occurring within your body.
A smiling man in nature looking into the distance.
Your cells have a story.

We’re listening.

The Cancerguard™ test screens for dozens of cancers with a simple blood draw and provides insight that’s easy to understand — and act on. Here’s how it works.
Normal cells regularly release a small amount of healthy DNA and protein into the bloodstream.1
If cancer is present in the body, the cancer releases unhealthy DNA or other markers into the bloodstream too.1
Cancerguard identifies these DNA and protein markers in the blood — which helps find cancer earlier, when it is more treatable.1

Getting your test

01

Request your test

The Cancerguard test is available by requesting online through telehealth or your doctor can order one for you

Download doctor discussion guide

02

Have your blood sample taken

The Cancerguard test makes it easy to get screened. Depending on how you obtained your test (online through a telehealth provider or through your doctor), there are a few ways you may get your blood sample taken, including:

  • At your doctor’s office
  • At a hospital or health system location
  • At an approved lab near you
  • At home — with a visiting phlebotomist who comes to you

03

Your results are ready in 2 weeks
Your sample will be analyzed by Exact Sciences Laboratories

04

Review with your doctor and plan next steps
Your doctor will work with you to make an informed plan to move forward
A close up of a man receiving a smartwatch notification that his test results are ready.

We’re here when you get your results.

Most tests will come back negative for cancer signals, but if your test result comes back positive, we’re here to help you.2

  • We’ll connect you with a Care Navigator to help guide you through your next steps.3
  • Depending on your situation, You may be eligible for up to $6,000 reimbursement for non-covered imaging costs to help reduce the financial impact.*3

* Patients must apply. Eligibility depends on program qualifications and is not guaranteed. The program will not reimburse any covered imaging costs, including copay, coinsurance and/or deductible amounts determined by insurance. For more information patients should contact to apply, call 1-844-870-8870.

An Exact Sciences’ technician standing in a lab.

Built by the best

With over two decades of experience helping millions navigate life-changing cancer diagnoses, Exact Sciences is redefining cancer screening with Multi-Cancer Early Detection (MCED) testing.2 We’re the proud makers of:
Cologuard by Exact Sciences logo.
Oncotype DX Breast Recurrence Score logo.
Oncodetect Molecular Residual Disease logo.
Riskguard Hereditary Cancer Test logo.

Peace of mind is closer than you think

HSA/FSA eligible†
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A collage of images showing confident, smiling people.

Footnotes and references

  1. Check with HSA/FSA administrator to determine eligibility.

  1. Exact Sciences. Patient Positive Result Supplement. Published 2025. Accessed July 11 2025
  2. Cancerguard Clinician Brochure. Exact Sciences Corporation. Madison, WI.
  3. Exact Sciences. Cancerguard™ Care Navigation Guide. Published 2025. Accessed July 23, 2025.

Important Information about the Cancerguard Test

Rx only. Talk to your healthcare provider to determine if this test is right for you.

The Cancerguard™ test is indicated for use in adults ages 50-84 with no known cancer diagnosis in the last three years. It detects alterations in circulating tumor DNA and tumor-associated protein levels which are commonly associated with cancer. The test does not detect all cancers and is not a replacement for existing recommended cancer screening or diagnostic modalities for cancer. Current recommended screening for cancer should also be followed. The test is not indicated for screening of breast and prostate cancer and was not evaluated for the detection of pre-cancerous lesions. Due to the potential for follow-up imaging with IV contrast CT after a positive test result, careful consideration should be given before ordering the Cancerguard test for patients with a history of adverse reactions to iodine based IV contrast or for women who are, may be, or plan to become pregnant. Results should be interpreted in the context of a patient’s medical history, clinical signs, and symptoms. A negative result does not rule out the presence of cancer of any type. A positive Cancerguard™ test result means that the blood test identified a cancer signal that may indicate the presence of cancer. This result alone does not confirm the presence of cancer. Further clinical evaluation by a healthcare provider (which may include blood tests such as complete blood count and comprehensive metabolic panel) and follow-up imaging are needed to locate and confirm a diagnosis of cancer or determine that cancer is not present. While there are no established guidelines for imaging following a positive Cancerguard test result, there is a published follow-up workflow based on expert clinician opinion and results from an exploratory, prospective, interventional study [Kisiel et al Life (Basel) 2024 Jul 24; Lennon et al, Science, 2020]. The proposed workflow in the Kisiel et al publication includes an intravenous-contrast enhanced computed tomography (IV contrast CT of chest, abdomen/pelvis, and soft-tissue neck) and if necessary, positron emission tomography-computed tomography (18F FDG PET-CT) from the skull-base to mid-thigh. Alternative follow-up procedures (e.g. targeted imaging, endoscopic procedures, CT without IV- contrast) may be appropriate in the context of the patient’s medical history and clinical evaluation [Lennon et al, Science, 2020]. False positive and false negative test results can occur.

The Cancerguard test was developed, and the performance characteristics validated by Exact Sciences Laboratories following College of American Pathologists (CAP) and Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) regulations. This test has not been cleared or approved by the US Food and Drug Administration. The test is performed at Exact Sciences Laboratories. Exact Sciences Laboratories is accredited by CAP, certified under CLIA regulations, and qualified to perform high-complexity clinical laboratory testing.