What are multi-cancer detection (MCD) tests, and should you get one?
September 15, 2025
Multi-cancer detection tests (MCD), also known as multi-cancer early detection (MCED) tests, offer the potential to detect a range of cancers through a simple blood test.
MCD tests, a type of liquid biopsy, aim to catch early-stage cancer cells long before symptoms appear. By utilizing machine-learning algorithms, these tests identify the likely origin of tumors based on DNA and protein profiles.
But are these tests reliable?
“MCD tests hold immense promise for revolutionizing cancer detection,” says Ernest Hawk, M.D., vice president, Cancer Prevention and Population Sciences. “However, it’s important to be aware of the potential consequences if you’re thinking about using one.”
Key takeaways:
- Multi-cancer detection (MCD) tests are blood tests that use machine-learning to identify markers that may indicate the presence of early-stage cancer cells somewhere in the body.
- These tests may help identify cancer at an earlier stage when it is easier to treat. However, these tests can also result in false positives.
- Positive MCD tests require additional blood tests, scans and/or biopsies to make a diagnosis.
- MCDs are still being researched and aren’t yet approved by the FDA.
How many types of cancer do multi-cancer early detection tests cover?
Currently, tests in development offer screening for anywhere from two to over 50 tumor types in a single test. Some of the cancers the tests can detect include pancreatic, prostate, kidney, lung, breast, skin, ovarian and liver cancer.
According to the National Cancer Institute, there isn’t a single multi-cancer early detection test that screens for all cancer types.
What are the potential benefits of multi-cancer early detection tests?
Early diagnosis enables timely treatment, which may lead to improved survival rates and better patient outcomes.
These tests could also allow for more targeted treatments. Once a doctor has a blood sample, the laboratory uses advanced technologies and tests to study the DNA. If any abnormalities are located, they are analyzed further. Having this genomic information could allow your doctor to administer precise therapies that are potentially more effective.
Cancer can also come with a big bill. Detecting disease earlier, when it’s easier to treat, can reduce the need for costly advance-stage treatments.
“The world of cancer screening is on the cusp of a transformative shift with the rise of MCD tests,” says Robert Volk, Ph.D., professor, Health Services Research. “But we need to have standardized, unbiased patient decision aids in place by the time they are approved.”
What are the risks of using multi-cancer early detection tests?
If you’re eager to rule out a cancer diagnosis, you may focus on the potential benefits of multi-cancer early detection tests while overlooking the risks and limitations.
There are concerns that early-stage tumors won’t provide much DNA. This means the tumors may have to be further along to generate enough DNA to be reliably detected by the blood test.
Mammograms, colonoscopies and other screening approaches for individual cancers are each supported by rigorous studies but MCDs have yet to be tested in large clinical trials. While some trials are underway in the U.S. and U.K., results may still be years away. As we await the data, there are questions about whether the tests are effective in reducing cancer mortality and whether there’s potential for over diagnosing cancer.
“Any positive blood tests require a subsequent diagnostic evaluation,” explains Hawk. “Endoscopy, radiologic imaging and biopsies all take additional time, add costs and may result in additional risks from the procedures themselves.”
Both Hawk and Volk also warn of the possibility of false positives.
Imagine being told you have cancer when, in fact, you do not. This could cause immense emotional harm.
“Ensuring the accuracy and reliability of these tests to minimize false positives should be a top priority to avoid undue patient stress,” Volk emphasizes.
What should I do if I get a positive MCD test result?
Anyone who has a positive result on an MCD may request an appointment at UT MD Anderson through our Suspicion of Cancer Clinic.
If you are already an established patient, speak to your UT MD Anderson care team about next steps.
New patients may either complete a self-referral form online or call the Suspicion of Cancer Clinic directly at 713-563-8300.
We also accept physician referrals through MyChart.
Are multi-cancer early detection tests FDA-approved?
No, multi-cancer early detection tests aren't approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). However, companies can offer these tests as laboratory developed tests, which the National Cancer Institute defines as “designed, manufactured, and used within a single laboratory.”
While laboratory developed tests must measure “what they say they can measure,” they don’t need to prove to “provide a clinical benefit to patients, such as diagnosing cancer early,” writes the NCI.
Are multi-cancer early detection tests covered by insurance?
No. Currently, multi-cancer early detection tests are not routinely covered by insurance.
Contact your insurance company to learn more about your out-of-pocket costs.
Weigh the costs and benefits before using an MCD
Both Volk and Hawk agree that the potential to detect multiple cancer types at an early stage and the promise of personalized, targeted treatments are game changers.
These innovative screening methods could make a life-or-death difference for millions of people worldwide. However, they emphasize the need for evidence-based decision-making.
Until then, Hawk says, it’s best to weigh the risks and benefits of MCDs before spending money on one.
Request an appointment at MD Anderson online or call 1-877-632-6789.
MCD tests hold immense promise for revolutionizing cancer detection.
Ernest Hawk, M.D.
Vice President, Cancer Prevention and Population Sciences