In short
- Testing for cancer has advantages and disadvantages.
- This information can help you decide if you want to do the OncoSeek® test.
- This test gives you a prediction, or probability that you have cancer today. It does not tell you for sure if you have cancer. You will need other tests to confirm if you get a positive result.
- Sometimes this test may say you don’t have cancer when you actually do. This is called a false negative. It can also say you have cancer when you don’t. This is called a false positive.
- This test checks for many cancers using one blood sample.
What is OncoSeek®?
OncoSeek® is a test to find cancer. The OncoSeek® test uses a small sample of blood. It will tell you if you have a low, medium, or high probability of having cancer. The cancers it looks for are breast, colon, liver, lung, lymphoma, esophagus, ovarian, pancreas, and stomach cancers.
Who should take this test?
OncoSeek® is for people who have a higher risk of cancer. You may be at higher risk if:
- You are 50 years old or older
- You have signs or symptoms of cancer
- You have family members who had cancer
- You have certain genes that make cancer more likely
- You smoke, drink alcohol, or use other harmful substances
- You have been around harmful chemicals or radiation
- You are overweight or obese
- You have ongoing (chronic) swelling or infections
- You eat unhealthy foods that can increase cancer risk
- You have hormonal problems
- Your immune system is weak
Who should NOT take this test?
This test should not be taken by:
- Pregnant people
- People who are 21 years old or younger
- People who are being treated for cancer right now
- People who cannot get more tests done after a positive OncoSeek® test result. For example, they might not be able to do tests like an MRI scan.
What are the advantages of doing the test?
- This test might find cancer earlier than without this test. Finding cancer early can give you a better chance of getting cured.
- This test is easy. You only need one small blood sample. You do not need scans or big exams.
- It checks for 9 types of cancer at once.
- You can use this test to check for cancer regularly.
What are the disadvantages of doing the test?
- OncoSeek® does not find all cancers. Even if your result says a low probability, you could still have cancer.
- If the OncoSeek® test shows a high probability of cancer, you will need more tests to confirm. For example, an MRI scan. These tests may cost money, take time, and cause stress.
- If you get a medium result, you do not need more tests right away. But it might make you worried. You will need to take this test again in a short time and watch for symptoms. This may cause anxiety or stress.
- Sometimes the OncoSeek® test gives a “false positive” result. This means this test says you might have cancer, but you don’t. This can lead to extra tests, stress, and costs.
- Sometimes the OncoSeek® test gives a “false negative” result. This means this test says you do not have a high probability of cancer, but you do. It is important to keep seeing your doctor for check-ups and watching for any signs of cancer.
OncoSeek® test results
The results of this test are not enough to give a final answer. Your doctor will look at your result along with your health history and any symptoms you have.
- A result of Low Probability means no follow-up is needed right now. Consider doing the test again next year.
- A result of Medium Probability means you should talk to a doctor and repeat this test in 1 month.
- A result of High Probability means you should talk to a doctor and go for more tests, like scans, to check for cancer.
How to decide if you want to take the OncoSeek® test
This information gave you an idea of what this test does, as well as the advantages and disadvantages of taking it.
If you are still not sure, talk to your doctor. Here are some questions you can ask:
- What are my personal risks for getting cancer?
- What are the advantages and disadvantages of this test for me?
- How much will this test and any follow-up tests cost?
- What will happen if my result is medium or high?
- Is there anything else that is important for me?
For more information you can always visit our website. Detailed information for your doctor is available on our website >>
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