Early Cancer Detection for TRICARE Members
Mercy is excited to offer our groundbreaking Multi-Cancer Early Detection (MCED) test to uniformed service members, retirees and their family members around the world through TRICARE.
We're happy to offer the latest in cancer screening options to help you take control of your health care. We thank you for your service and look forward to serving you.
What Is the Multi-Cancer Early Detection Test?
The MCED test uses a simple blood sample to detect more than 50 types of cancer, including aggressive, often fatal cancers. The earlier cancer is found, the better your odds are of surviving.
This test should be used together with other annual cancer screenings. It looks for signals in the bloodstream that may be linked to cancer. If a cancer signal is found, your care team will discuss next steps for treatment or recommend additional testing.
Early Detection
The MCED test detects signals for 50 types of cancer
Easy Blood Test
A simple blood sample with results in about two weeks
Accurate Results
Can often pinpoint where the cancer signal comes from
Who Can Take the Multi-Cancer Early Detection Test?
The MCED test is recommended for patients 50 and older with an elevated risk for cancer. TRICARE patients may have the cost of this test covered through insurance.
This blood test should be used in addition to other cancer-screening tests. It doesn't check for all cancers or measure your risk of developing cancer in the future.
Will My Insurance Cover the MCED Test?
Patients with TRICARE health insurance now have coverage for the MCED test. Plans include:
- Humana Military East Region
- TriWest Healthcare Alliance (West Region)
- TRICARE for Life
Important Safety Information
This test isn't recommended for people who are:
- Pregnant
- 21 or younger
- Receiving cancer treatment
If a cancer signal isn't detected, that doesn't necessarily rule out cancer. And if a cancer signal is detected, we'll run necessary follow-up tests to make sure the results are correct. False positive and false negative results do occur. You should discuss your test results with your Mercy caregiver to understand what they mean for you.
The MCED test is certified under the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments of 1988 (CLIA) and accredited by the College of American Pathologists. At this time, the MCED test hasn't been cleared or approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Laboratory / Test Information
The MCED test clinical laboratory is certified under the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments of 1988 (CLIA) and accredited by the College of American Pathologists. The test was developed, and its performance characteristics were determined by GRAIL. The test has not been cleared or approved by the Food and Drug Administration. The clinical laboratory is regulated under CLIA to perform high-complexity testing. This test is intended for clinical purposes.
Galleri® is a registered trademark of GRAIL, Inc., and is manufactured by GRAIL.
The vast majority of cancers show no symptoms until later stages, when treatment options may be limited. The Multi-Cancer Early Detection test searches for over 50 types of cancer, many of which are hard to detect and not commonly screened for.