Cancer is something that touches nearly every family, and yet it often develops quietly, without any early warning signs. By the time symptoms appear, many cancers have already progressed, making treatment more challenging.
That’s why early detection isn’t just important; it’s life-saving! For those seeking a more proactive approach to their health, cancer testing in Sumter County offers a comprehensive solution for preventive care.
At Carolina Concierge Care, we believe prevention is power. That’s where Galleri cancer testing comes in: A groundbreaking blood test that identifies signals for more than 50 types of cancer, often before symptoms begin. Testing shouldn’t be about fear. It should be about empowerment.
In this blog, we’ll take a closer look at why early detection matters, how Galleri works, and why incorporating it into your preventive health plan could be a critical step toward protecting your future.
Why Early Detection Matters
It’s difficult to talk, or even think, about cancer. But the earlier cancer is caught, the easier it is to treat, and the better the outcomes are likely to be. Being protective of your health and keeping up with proper cancer testing is critical for cancer prevention and early detection.
Cancer testing in Sumter County plays a pivotal role in identifying cancer in its earliest stages when treatment is most effective. By integrating preventive testing into your healthcare routine, you’re giving yourself (or your loved ones) the best possible chance at long-term health.
Here’s why it matters:
- Increase survival rates: Early detection means more treatment options, more time for treatments, and better outcomes.
- Identify cancer before symptoms begin: Testing can catch cancer before it causes any noticeable symptoms in the body, giving you a head start on treatment.
Cancer doesn’t wait, and neither should you. Multi-cancer testing is one of the most powerful tools we have at our disposal to protect both your health and your future.
Most Common Types of Cancer
An estimated 2 million people will be diagnosed with cancer in the United States in 2025, which is an alarmingly high number. Most of us know someone who has been diagnosed with cancer, so we know what it feels like to hear the devastating news.
With over 100 different types of cancer, it’s helpful to know which ones are most common. Depending on age and gender, among other factors, these types can be more likely to affect certain demographics.
Some of the most common types include:
- Breast cancer
- Lung cancer
- Prostate cancer
- Colon and rectal cancer
- Melanoma
- Bladder or urinary cancer
Some of these cancers don’t have symptoms in their early stages. This highlights the importance of routine cancer testing, which helps ensure that cancer is detected and diagnosed early.
Traditional Screening vs. Galleri Testing: What’s the Difference?
When it comes to cancer prevention, traditional cancer screening is still an essential part of a complete healthcare plan. Mammograms, colonoscopies, Pap smears, and prostate exams have saved countless lives and helped people catch cancers early.
However, these screenings are typically for specific cancer types. Mammograms test for breast cancer, colonoscopies focus on colorectal cancer, and Pap smears are only used for detecting cervical cancer.
While effective, these tests are limited, leaving dozens of other types of cancer untested and without a reliable early-detection method. Galleri cancer testing in Sumter County helps fill this gap, testing for over 50 different types of cancer instead of just one.
Better Together
Rather than replacing traditional cancer screenings, Galleri can be used alongside them to add another dimension to preventive care.
Together, traditional screening and Galleri testing can create a more comprehensive strategy for early detection, giving patients access to the best possible tools for safeguarding their health and future.
Who Should Consider Galleri Cancer Testing?
Though many adults can benefit from annual cancer testing, it is especially beneficial for those who:
- Are over the age of 50
- Have potential cancer risk factors (family history, smoking)
- Prioritize wellness and preventive care
- Want to go beyond standard screening
Cancer can develop quietly. By the time symptoms appear, the disease has already advanced. This significantly limits treatment options and potential outcomes. That’s why timing matters and why Gallerie cancer testing in Sumter County is so valuable.
Preventative testing isn’t about waiting until something feels wrong. It helps you stay ahead of the unknown. This type of cancer testing isn’t about fear; it’s about taking control of your health and well-being.
How Galleri Testing Works
The Galleri cancer test is a blood test that looks for a unique “fingerprint” of cancer by analyzing for circulating free DNA from the abnormal cells of the malignancy. These fingerprints come from special chemical patterns that can show what kind of cell or tissue the DNA came from.
By studying these patterns in your blood, the Galleri test can detect a cancer signal and even point to where in the body the cancer is most likely coming from. Here’s what you can expect when beginning Galleri testing at Carolina Concierge Care.
Initial Consultation
Before scheduling your Galleri cancer test, you’ll need to contact our client hotline and request a consultation. On the day of your consultation, bring any paperwork from your previous healthcare provider(s).
During your appointment, our team goes over the basics of the cancer test with you and reviews your medical history. This allows them to get a better grasp of your overall health and tailor impactful strategies that benefit your well-being.
Afterward, you can move forward with your cancer testing in Sumter County.
Your Treatment
The Galleri cancer test treatment is straightforward, only requiring a blood draw that does not necessitate any fasting or special preparation. On the day of your appointment, your provider shows you to a private treatment room and gets you seated and comfortable.
From there, a blood sample is collected, very similar to a routine blood test. This process is non-invasive, quick, and extremely convenient.
The blood sample is then sent to a lab for analysis, which uses DNA sequencing to detect signs of cancer. Usually, it takes between 24 and 48 hours to receive the results of the Galleri cancer test. Once our team receives the results, we will call you for a follow-up so we can review them together.
Your Follow-Up
During your follow-up examination, your provider explains the results of your Galleri cancer test. They outline what your results mean and what steps you should take after receiving them. Depending on your results, your provider will have different recommendations.
We recommend that all our patients undergo annual cancer testing, both for peace of mind and to take a proactive approach to their health. To ensure complete and thorough detection, use Galleri cancer testing with any recommended traditional cancer screenings.
Benefits of Proactive Cancer Testing
Beyond the fact that early cancer detection plays an important role in increasing survival rates and improving treatment outcomes, there are other benefits of proactive cancer testing. These advantages extend beyond the realm of our physical health, often offering some psychological benefits as well.
Some benefits of cancer testing include:
- Reducing anxiety and uncertainty: Regular cancer testing and early detection helps mitigate constant worrying when thinking about undiagnosed health issues. This lets you focus more on the things you love and your day-to-day activities without feeling anxious about a possible cancer diagnosis.
- Empowerment through knowledge: Having a complete understanding of your health and potential diagnoses empowers you to make thoughtful decisions about any treatments moving forward. You’ll feel more in control of your future.
- Improved support system and planning: Early detection gives you more time to plan and organize your life, especially in the uncertain waters post-diagnosis. This extended period can be used to gather a robust support system, which can include counseling, stress management, support groups, and organizing your family.
Proactive cancer testing does more than improve survival rates; it also enhances overall well-being. It can offer a sense of control, better treatment outcomes, and an overall higher quality of life.
Prevention Starts With Action
When it comes to cancer, time is everything. The difference between catching a disease early versus late can dramatically change treatment options, outcomes, and quality of life.
Traditional screenings remain an essential part of preventive care, but they only cover a small fraction of cancers. With Galleri, patients now have access to a groundbreaking tool that broadens the scope of detection, offering insights into more than 50 cancers through one simple blood test.
At Carolina Concierge Care, we’re committed to helping our patients stay one step ahead with innovative preventive options like Galleri cancer testing. This testing provides a chance to take a broader, more proactive approach to wellness and to gain peace of mind knowing you are doing everything possible to protect yourself.
Don’t wait for uncertainty to dictate your next step. Contact our team to learn more about Galleri cancer testing in Sumter County and request your appointment. Prevention starts with action: take yours now.
