What is an MCED test and how is it used?

Multi-cancer early detection (MCED) tests can pick up signals from multiple cancer types with a simple blood draw, helping address an unmet need in cancer screening

Oct. 28, 2026

If you have cancer, what the doctors find and — importantly — when they find it can make a difference in your treatment options and chance of recovering from the disease. Unfortunately, about 70% of annual cancer diagnoses and deaths in the U.S. are from cancer types that lack recommended screening.1 That leaves many cancers, including some of the deadliest like pancreatic, liver, esophageal, ovarian and stomach, to be found only when symptoms appear and the cancer may have already spread.2

However, with the development of multi-cancer early detection (MCED) testing, that may soon start to change.

“When we look at our goals to impact cancer as a burden in our society, multi-cancer early detection is the key,” said Dr. Tom Beer, an oncologist and a chief medical officer working on multi-cancer early detection for Abbott. MCED testing has the potential to transform how we discover cancer, impacting both health systems and individual stories. Here’s what you need to know about MCED testing today.

What does “MCED” stand for?

MCED stands for “multi-cancer early detection.” MCED tests look for subtle signs in the bloodstream that cancer may be present. These tests, which require a simple blood draw, can look for signals associated with multiple cancer types at a time. For example, Abbott’s Cancerguard test can pick up signals associated with more than 50 cancer types and subtypes, including some of the deadliest cancers, even before someone starts experiencing symptoms.3,4

Why does finding cancer earlier matter?

Finding cancer earlier can make a difference in treatment options and patient outcomes. Cancer is more contained and often more treatable in early stages, giving patients a better chance of recovering from the disease.

How does cancer screening support early detection?

Screening plays a critical role in catching cancer, often before someone knows they are sick. For now, in the U.S. there are routine screening recommendations for breast, colorectal, high-risk lung, and cervical cancers, leaving many cancers to be discovered by chance or through the onset of symptoms.1

Why don’t we have routine screening for more cancers?

Developing cancer screening tests takes significant time and resources. Before they are widely adopted by guideline bodies and payor groups, new tests must meet certain standards and approvals. The process is complex, and it can move slowly. Multi-cancer early detection offers a way to efficiently address an unmet need in cancer screening by helping detect many cancers with a single test.

If I take an MCED test, do I need to do other cancer screenings?

Multi-cancer early detection (MCED) tests are designed to complement, not replace, routine screening like mammograms and colorectal cancer testing. If you take an MCED test, you should continue to participate in other recommended screenings to give you the fullest picture of your health. If you’re not sure what screening you need based on your age, family history and other risk factors, reach out to your doctor.

What do MCED tests mean for the future?

Multi-cancer early detection (MCED) tests have the potential to shape how we approach cancer care in the future. While there is a lot of work left ahead to study these tests, integrate them into clinical practice, secure coverage, and expand access to more people, the promise of the technology is clear: catch more cancers earlier.

“Early detection is the key to success,” said Dr. Beer. “This is what’s going to make a world of difference.”

References

1 Data on file. Cancers without USPSTF recommended screening. 2026. Medical Affairs, Abbott, Madison, WI.

2 USPSTF. A & B Recommendations. Accessed October 16, 2026. https://www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/uspstf/recommendation-topics/uspstf-a-and-b-recommendations

3 Cancerguard Clinician Brochure. Abbott. Madison, WI.

4 Data on file. Cancerguard Cancer Subtype Analysis. Abbott. Madison, WI; September 2025. [MED-REF-01259]

Important safety information

Important information about the Cancerguard test

Rx only. 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.

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