Multi-Cancer Early Detection Tests: National Estimates of Awareness and Perceived Value in the United States
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Background
Multi-cancer early detection (MCED) tests represent a promising advancement in cancer screening technology. These tests can identify biomarkers from multiple cancer types using a single biological sample, potentially reducing cancer mortality and addressing cancer inequities. Little is known about MCED test awareness and perceived value among adults in the United States (U.S.).
Methods
Using nationally representative data from the 2024 Health Information National Trends Survey, we computed national estimates of MCED test awareness and perceived value and evaluated whether estimates varied across different population groups.
Results
The weighted sample represented 244 million U.S. adults, with 16.8% (95% CI: 15.2%-18.3%) aware of MCED tests and 42.1% (40.0%-44.2%) perceiving them as very valuable. In adjusted analyses, Hispanic ethnicity (adjusted prevalence ratio [aPR] = 1.29 [1.01-1.65]) and health-related social media use (aPR = 1.04 [1.01-1.06]) were associated with MCED test awareness. Factors associated with perceiving MCED tests as very valuable included: older age (e.g., 35-49 vs. 18-34: aPR = 1.43 [1.20-1.70]), minoritized race/ethnicity (non-Hispanic Black: aPR = 1.31 [1.15-1.50]; Hispanic: aPR = 1.40 [1.22-1.60]), family cancer history (aPR = 1.17 [1.03-1.34]), and frequent patient portal use (≥6 times vs. none: aPR = 1.23 [1.06-1.42]).
Conclusion
While awareness remains low, high perceived value among older adults and minoritized racial/ethnic populations suggests readiness for MCED adoption in groups that may benefit most from early cancer detection.
Impact
This report provides baseline data to inform equitable access strategies as MCED tests await approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and seek coverage from insurers.
Condensed abstract
Only 16.8% of U.S. adults were aware of multi-cancer early detection tests in 2024, yet 42.1% perceived them as very valuable, with higher value perception among older adults, minoritized racial/ethnic populations, and those with family cancer history. These findings highlight both a substantial awareness-value gap and strong potential demand among groups that may benefit most from early cancer detection, providing critical baseline data to inform equitable implementation strategies as MCED tests await FDA approval and insurance coverage.
