Tips to Live By

PODCAST: Can a Blood Test Really Screen for 50+ Cancers?

March 16, 2026

LISTEN & SUBSCRIBE: Spotify | Apple Podcasts | YouTube | Amazon Music

Cancer screenings are an important part of staying healthy. Still, they might feel inconvenient — and sometimes even uncomfortable. So what about tests that claim to detect dozens of cancers from just a single blood draw? In this episode, we dive into the rise of multi-cancer detection blood tests, breaking down how they work and what the science says — for now.

Expert: Dr. Brittany Barthelemy, primary care doctor

Notable topics covered:

  • What multi-cancer detection blood tests are and why they’re getting attention

  • Why aren’t these tests FDA approved?

  • Key findings from the PATHFINDER study, including false-positive rates

  • The high out-of-pocket cost and lack of insurance coverage

  • Shield: FDA-approved blood testing for colon cancer

  • What to know about “silent” cancers, like pancreatic and ovarian cancer

  • Practical ways to reduce cancer risk, including proven screenings and lifestyle habits

Like what you hear?

View all episodes and SUBSCRIBE wherever you get your podcasts, including on:

Spotify | Apple Podcasts | YouTube | Amazon Music | Pocket Casts | iHeartRadio | Podcast Index | Podcast Addict | Podchaser | Deezer

Stay up-to-date
By signing up, you will receive our newsletter with articles, videos, health tips and more.
Please Enter Email
Please Enter Valid Email
Categories: Tips to Live By