The science

A new era of early detection

As the only test on the market to take a multi-biomarker class approach, Cancerguard® dives deep into your biology to help detect signs of cancer even at early stages.1

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.1-3

Woman looking into the distance with labels showing cancer types associated with Cancerguard signal detection.

Your cells have a story.
We're listening.

Using advanced biomarker analysis, the Cancerguard test searches for subtle molecular changes associated with cancer.

Normal cells regularly release a small amount of healthy DNA and protein into the bloodstream.
Some cancers shed their own altered DNA and other markers into the bloodstream too.
The Cancerguard test identifies these DNA and protein markers in the blood — which helps find cancer even in early stages, when it is more treatable.1,3

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.4

Dual biomarker visualization showing DNA methylation and protein signals working together to detect cancer.
Dual biomarker visualization showing DNA methylation and protein signals working together to detect cancer.

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.4

Think of DNA as the body’s instruction manual. DNA methylation helps control how those instructions are read — like highlighting or hiding parts of a page. In cancer cells, these patterns are changed, creating signals that may appear in the blood. The Cancerguard test analyzes DNA methylation because identifying these changes can help detect cancer in early stages, when treatment may be more effective.
Like messengers for the body, proteins provide important clues about how cells are functioning. Changes in protein patterns in the bloodstream may signal the presence of cancer. Cancerguard is the only multi-cancer detection test on the market that includes protein biomarker classes, helping identify potential signs of cancer that DNA methylation alone might miss.4
Cancerguard test result cards showing examples of negative and positive cancer signal findings.

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.3

We’re the proud makers of:

Cologuard.
Oncotype DX Breast Recurrence Score.
Oncodetect Molecular Residual Disease.
Riskguard Hereditary Cancer Test.
Scientist, microscope and research in lab for healthcare, innovation and development.

Peace of mind is closer than you think

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