Early Cancer Detection

Early cancer detection focuses on identifying cancer signals at the earliest possible stages—often before symptoms appear.

While genetic testing helps determine who may be at higher risk, early cancer detection looks for biologic evidence of cancer activity through blood-based testing and targeted imaging.

How Early Detection Is Used

At CMoC, early cancer detection tools:

• Complement standard screening (do not replace it)

• Are selected based on individual risk profiles

• Support proactive, precision-based surveillance

Blood-based testing can identify cancer signals across multiple tissue types, while imaging tools such as mammography, breast MRI, and low-dose lung CT support site-specific early detection.

Who May Benefit

Early cancer detection may be appropriate for patients with:

• Elevated inherited or polygenic cancer risk

• Personal or family cancer history

• Desire for proactive surveillance beyond routine screening

Testing Options for Early Cancer Detection

Early cancer detection at CMoC combines advanced blood-based testing and targeted imaging to help identify cancer at its most treatable stages—often before symptoms develop. These tools are selected based on individual risk factors and are designed to complement standard screening, not replace it.

Blood-Based Early Cancer Detection

Blood-based testing analyzes circulating tumor DNA and other cancer-associated signals to identify the possible presence of cancer across multiple tissue types from a single blood draw. These tests can support proactive surveillance, particularly for patients with elevated inherited or polygenic risk or those seeking earlier insight beyond routine screening.

Certain blood-based options may also focus on specific cancer types, such as colorectal cancer, offering a noninvasive screening alternative for patients who are unable or unwilling to undergo traditional procedures.

Precision Cancer Imaging

Imaging remains a critical component of early cancer detection. Based on individual risk profiles, clinicians may recommend targeted imaging studies—such as mammography, breast MRI, or low-dose lung CT—to support early identification of site-specific cancers when outcomes are most favorable.

Choosing the Right Approach

Early cancer detection is not one-size-fits-all. Your clinician will help determine which combination of blood-based testing and imaging is appropriate based on your personal history, family history, genetic risk, and overall health goals—ensuring testing is purposeful, evidence-based, and clinically actionable.