Innovation (Multi-Cancer Early Detection Tests – MCED)
Supporting healthcare innovation is crucial for advancing patient care, improving outcomes, and reducing long-term costs. As medical knowledge, technology, and research evolve, fostering innovation in healthcare enables the development of more effective cures, better treatments, and improved quality of life for patients.
Supporting innovation in healthcare is a win-win scenario: it advances medical knowledge, improves patient outcomes, reduces suffering, and helps alleviate the financial strain on both individuals and the broader healthcare system. By prioritizing investment in research, technology, and new treatment options, we pave the way for a healthier, more sustainable future.
Multi-Cancer Early Detection Tests
For example, multi-cancer early detection (MCED) tests are blood tests for multiple types of cancer at once. They are designed to be used in people who don’t have symptoms. They offer earlier detection of cancer, which results in better patient outcomes, less invasive treatments, and reduced treatment costs. As blood tests, they are far less invasive than other cancer tests. Currently, the most common screenings only test five types of cancer and only 14% of cancers are found through screenings. Innovative blood-based MCED tests can screen for many cancers simultaneously and will complement existing screenings. MCED requires support from Congress to be put to use saving lives.
The Multi-Cancer Early Detection Screening Coverage Act did not get through Congress in 2024, but we hope to see it come back. You can read about what it would do in terms of screening for cancer on our blog: HERE. Or visit the American Cancer Society website to learn more about the screening.