• About Galleri
• Discovering Pancreatic Cancer Early

Discovering Pancreatic Cancer Early

This page aims to provide comprehensive information about pancreatic cancer, the associated risks, and how methods like the Galleri multi-cancer early detection test can help. 

The Galleri® test represents a breakthrough in cancer detection, offering significant advancements in cancer at an earlier stage. Galleri is a early detection test that uses a "fingerprint" to detect cancer single in a simple blood draw.^1,2,3

The Galleri test does not detect a signal for all cancers and not all cancers can be detected in the blood. False positive and false negative results do occur. The Galleri test should be used in addition to healthcare provider recommended screening tests.

The Galleri test does not detect a signal for all cancers and not all cancers can be detected in the blood. False positive and false negative results do occur. The Galleri test should be used in addition to healthcare provider recommended screening tests.

Understanding Pancreatic Cancer

Pancreatic cancer is often diagnosed at an advanced stage due to its subtle and non-specific symptoms. It originates in the tissues of the pancreas, an organ that lies behind the lower part of the stomach.

Risks Associated with Pancreatic Cancer

• Tobacco use: Smokers are twice as likely to develop pancreatic cancer compared to non-smokers.
• Age: The risk of pancreatic cancer increases with age, with most cases occurring in individuals over 65.
• Obesity: People who are overweight or obese are slightly more likely than others to develop pancreatic cancer. Obesity is defined by having a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or more.
• Genetic Predispositions: Inherited mutations in genes related to pancreatic cancer include BRCA1, BRCA2, ATM, PALB2, TP53, certain genes associated with Lynch syndrome (MLH1, MSH2, EPCAM, and MSH6), CDKN2A, STK11, and APC. Inherited gene mutations can be passed from parent to child and may cause as much as 10% of pancreatic cancers.
• Alcohol: Some studies show a link between heavy alcohol use and pancreatic cancer. Heavy alcohol use can lead to conditions such as chronic pancreatitis, which is known to increase pancreatic cancer risk.
• Ethnicity: African Americans have a slightly higher incidence of pancreatic cancer compared to individuals of Asian, Hispanic, or Caucasian descent. The correlation is not clear, but non-Hispanic African Americans are more likely to be diagnosed with diabetes, a known risk factor for pancreatic cancer.
• Diabetes: People with type 2 diabetes are more likely than others to develop pancreatic cancer over time. Type 2 diabetes is often linked to obesity. The connection between type 2 diabetes, obesity, and pancreatic cancer is not fully understood but is an active area of research. ​

Multi-Cancer Blood Tests vs. Single Cancer Tests

Traditional single cancer tests focus on detecting one type of cancer at a time. While they are recommended, they may miss other cancers that could be present in the body. This is where multi-cancer blood tests, like the Galleri test, offer a significant advantage.

1. Broad Detection Range:  Multi-cancer blood tests screen for multiple types of cancer simultaneously, increasing the chances of early detection of various cancers.
2. Early Detection: They can detect cancer signals before symptoms develop, which is crucial for cancers like pancreatic cancer where early symptoms are rare and non-specific.
3. Improved Outcomes: Early detection through multi-cancer tests can lead to earlier treatment, which is often less invasive and more successful.

Galleri is a screening test and does not diagnose cancer. Diagnostic testing is needed to confirm cancer. The Galleri test does not detect a signal for all cancers and not all cancers can be detected in the blood.

Learn about Roger's Story

Battling Pancreatic Cancer with the Galleri Test

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Around 70%

of cancer deaths are from cancers without recommended screening options^5*

Today, doctors test individually for 5 specific cancers — colorectal, lung (for those at risk), breast, cervical, and prostate. While these single-cancer screenings play an important role, it’s not enough.

Many cancers are often found too late, when patients present with symptoms of late-stage disease, making prognosis poor and treatment more difficult.⁷ Adding the Galleri test allows you to go beyond these 5 cancers to screen for additional cancers, such as stomach and pancreatic.^1,4*

*Assumes screening is available for all prostate, breast, cervical, and colorectal cancer cases and 43% of lung cancer cases (based on estimated proportion of lung cancers that occur in screen-eligible individuals older than 40 years)

*Sensitivity in study participants with stomach cancer was 66.7% overall (16.7% for stage I, 50.0% stage II, 80% stage III, 100% stage IV), and pancreatic cancer was 83.7% overall (61.9% for stage I, 60.0% stage II, 85.7% stage III, 95.9% stage IV).

Why Choose Galleri?

The Galleri test stands out because it uses advanced technology to detect cancer signals in the bloodstream. It targets certain patterns associated with cancer. This method is not only highly sensitive but also specific, reducing the chances of unnecessary anxiety. ^2*

In a world where early detection is key, the Galleri test represents a significant advancement in cancer screening, providing hope for a better outcome. 

The Galleri test's low risk of false positives minimizes unnecessary diagnostic testing and patient anxiety with 99.5% specificity.

In participants with cancer, when the Galleri test detected cancer, its prediction of cancer signal origin was correct 89% of the time.

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