A new era of early detection
What is multi-cancer early detection?
Traditional cancer screening tests look for one type of cancer at a time. As a multi-cancer early detection (MCED) test, Cancerguard complements these screenings by looking for signals across multiple cancer types at once — including six of the deadliest— with a simple blood draw. Finding cancer in earlier stages, even before symptoms occur, can make it easier to treat.
Your cells have a story.
We're listening.
Using advanced biomarker analysis, the Cancerguard test searches for subtle molecular changes associated with cancer.
The only MCED test on the market with two biomarker classes
Biomarkers are clues in the blood that may indicate the presence of cancer. By analyzing both DNA and proteins together, our test has been shown to improve sensitivity and detect cancers that might not be found using either biomarker class alone.
Why look at two biomarker classes?
DNA methylation and proteins are distinct biomarker classes linked to a broad range of cancers. By casting a wider net, the Cancerguard test can help detect more cancer-related signals.
“This is what is going to make a world of difference”
Dr. Tom Beer, M.D., FACP, chief medical officer and oncologist
Clear, simple results
Cancerguard results are designed to be easy to understand and actionable. Because the test is intended for screening, not diagnosis, you'll see either "positive" or "negative," indicating whether cancer signals were detected.
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.
We’re the proud makers of:
Frequently asked questions
When cancer is present in the body, it can create measurable changes in the blood before symptoms even appear. Cancerguard was the first multi-cancer early detection test to analyze both DNA methylation and protein biomarker classes for signals linked to cancer. By looking at two distinct biomarker classes instead of one, Cancerguard has more opportunities to detect cancer signals.
The Cancerguard test has been evaluated in two large studies involving patients aged 50-84 who were either known to have cancer or considered healthy — meaning no active cancer or suspicion of cancer. These studies assessed the test's ability to correctly detect cancer signals, as well as how often it correctly identified those without one. To learn more about these studies and their results, view the
Specificity measures how often the Cancerguard test correctly identifies people who don't have a cancer signal. The Cancerguard test's 97.4% specificity means the test correctly gave a negative result for people known to be healthy (without cancer) about 97 times out of 100. It also means about 3 out of 100 (2.6%) received a positive result even though they didn't have cancer. This is known as a false positive. This data comes from a case controlled study of patients who were already known to have cancer or to be healthy and shouldn’t be generalized to the broader population.1
1Cancerguard Clinician Brochure. Exact Sciences Corporation. Madison, WI.The Cancerguard test is designed to complement — not replace — standard recommended cancer screening tests like mammograms, colonoscopies, and Pap tests. These screenings focus on specific cancer types and remain an important part of preventive care. The Cancerguard test provides a different type of information. It looks for signals associated with multiple cancer types through a simple blood test. When used together with routine screenings, this broad approach can help you stay proactive against cancer.
Exact Sciences (now Abbott), the maker of the Cancerguard test, doesn't read or store your unique genetic code. Instead, the test looks for specific DNA changes that may be linked to cancer — not the inherited genetic information that makes you unique. Because it isn't analyzing your unique genetic code, it can't be used to identify you based on your DNA.