What the blood test looks for
The test looks for signals associated with 50 or more types of cancer using DNA and proteins in blood. It may miss some cancers, including early cancers, and can be considered alongside routine cancer screening.
Who may be eligible
According to official information for Japan, the test is primarily intended for adults who have not been diagnosed with cancer in the past 3 years. The physician considers your history, current health and symptoms when deciding whether you can take it. If you have symptoms, discuss what assessment or testing is needed instead of relying on this test alone.
Steps in the test
Discuss the purpose, fees and precautions with the physician. The next steps are to schedule the test, have blood drawn and analysed, and receive an explanation from the physician. Analysis usually takes about 4–6 weeks from the blood draw. The date of the explanation depends on the progress of the test and clinic availability. The physician discusses any further tests in light of the result.
Positive and negative results
A positive result means that a signal associated with cancer was found. It does not confirm a diagnosis. The physician may consider imaging or other diagnostic tests. A negative result cannot rule out cancer. Continue routine cancer screening appropriate for your age and circumstances.
Status in Japan and limitations
This test has not been approved, certified or notified in Japan as a medical device or an in vitro diagnostic. It is offered as a laboratory-developed test (LDT). It is not covered by insurance, and you pay the full cost. It has not been evaluated for screening for breast or prostate cancer or for detecting precancerous lesions.
Questions after receiving results
The physician interprets the results and makes medical decisions about further testing. The manufacturer's care navigator can explain the process but cannot interpret an individual's result or decide whether further tests are needed. Ask the physician which diagnostic tests are appropriate, where to have them and what they would cost.
How to use multi-cancer test results
CancerGuard® is a multi-cancer early detection test that combines information from DNA and proteins in blood to look for cancer-related signals. A positive result alone cannot establish whether or where cancer is present. A negative result cannot rule it out.
The product materials and information from the US National Cancer Institute explain the possibility of false positives and false negatives and the need to continue routine cancer screening. It has not been established that this type of test reduces deaths from cancer. The test does not guarantee early detection or a longer life.
Scroll the table horizontally to view all columns.
| Test | Main purpose | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| CancerGuard® (multi-cancer early detection test) | Looks for signals associated with 50 or more types of cancer from a blood sample | Diagnostic follow-up after a positive result and routine screening regardless of the result |
| Cancer genetic testing | Looks for genetic changes that may inform treatment after diagnosis | Eligible conditions and available treatments |
| Routine cancer screening | Uses recommended methods to screen for the cancers they are designed to detect | Continue screening appropriate for your age and circumstances |
These tests serve different purposes and cannot substitute for one another. The test fee is ¥217,800 including tax, blood draw and results explanation. With the ¥5,500 consultation fee including tax, the total is ¥223,300 including tax. Further diagnostic tests, if needed, cost extra.
References for this explanation
- Abbott Japan announcement of the launch of CANCERGUARD
- Official CANCERGUARD Japan frequently asked questions
- Official CANCERGUARD Japan information on the testing process
- Official CANCERGUARD Japan information on results and follow-up
- US National Cancer Institute questions and answers on multi-cancer tests
- National Cancer Center Japan cancer genomic medicine
Precautions and risks
A false positive can lead to further tests and distress. A false negative can miss a cancer. This test does not replace routine cancer screening or guarantee an early diagnosis or a longer life.
This is an overview. Please consider a treatment or test after receiving an explanation specific to your care.
Fees and conditions
- CancerGuard® test fee (includes blood draw and results explanation)
- ¥217,800 (including tax)
- Consultation fee (charged separately)
- ¥5,500 (including tax)
- Total test and consultation fees
- ¥223,300 (including tax)
The ¥217,800 test fee includes tax, blood draw and results explanation. A ¥5,500 consultation fee including tax is charged separately. The total is ¥223,300 including tax. Additional imaging or other tests are not included. Confirm any such costs before proceeding.
What to check before your consultation
- Am I eligible given my medical history and symptoms?
- What will the initial consultation and any additional tests cost?
- If the result is positive, what follow-up is needed, where can I have it and what will it cost?
Write down your questions and bring them with your medication record and previous test results.
How to ask about this serviceReference information
- Abbott Japan announcement of the launch of CANCERGUARD
- Official CANCERGUARD Japan frequently asked questions
- Official CANCERGUARD Japan information on the testing process
- Official CANCERGUARD Japan information on results and follow-up
- US National Cancer Institute questions and answers on multi-cancer tests
- National Cancer Center Japan cancer genomic medicine
Discuss with the physician whether the test is appropriate for you and how to interpret the result.