Are Multi Cancer Early Detection Tests (MCEDs) the new frontier in proactive healthcare for consumers?
A perspective from the Canadian population
By Marianne Fillion, Head of Precision Medicine and Diagnostics
Imagine a simple blood test that could screen for dozens of cancers, long before symptoms appear. This is the promise of MCEDs, a rapidly emerging field that has the potential to transform how we approach cancer screening globally.
As cancer remains a leading cause of death around the world, the urgency for better early detection tools has never been greater. Current screening methods are limited to a handful of cancers and often rely on symptoms that get noticed and properly addressed too late. Timely access to HCPs can also be an issue, often affecting timely diagnosis. MCED tests offer a new paradigm that could allow every single person (the general population) to be a more proactive owner of their health and future. Whilst MCED has its pitfalls, like any new technology, and is certainly not the only solution to better cancer screening, it does offer to some who have known the dire consequences of “too late” diagnosis and paid the price, a life altering option that is both non-invasive and more accessible than current screening methods.
As with any breakthrough, the success of MCED will depend not only on the science, but also on public awareness, understanding and interest, healthcare system readiness, and equitable access.
A ground-level snapshot
To better understand public attitudes, we conducted a small qualitative study in Canada with respondents across various demographic profiles. While small in scale, the insights were powerful, and reflective of key themes that will likely emerge in future research and other countries.
Awareness is low, but interest is high
Lack of awareness does not seem a barrier to interest since once explained, the idea of MCED tests generate strong enthusiasm from consumers. A small number of participants had heard of MCED before the interview, and even then, their knowledge was limited, often based on little information and sometimes marked by misunderstanding or misidentification. However, the idea of detecting multiple cancers early, especially through a simple blood test, resonated deeply.
“Anything that can pre-emptively detect major diseases would be very beneficial to me and society as a whole.” — Respondent #90108
This shows a crucial communication gap; the technology is promising, but the public doesn’t yet know it exists. But once the “cat is out of the bag”, can the force of public demand be stopped? After all, who would have thought we would pay over a $1000 for an iPhone 10 years ago…
Cancer is still the most feared diagnosis
Cancer ranked as the number 1 top of mind health fear among participants, far above other diseases like dementia or diabetes. This fear was often rooted in personal experiences, such as family members who were diagnosed too late or who faced difficult treatments.
Participants saw MCED as a possible antidote to that fear. A way to take proactive control over their health and reduce the uncertainty that surrounds cancer diagnoses.
What role will HCPs play in the story?
When asked how they’d react to hearing about MCED, the majority said they would first consult their doctor to ask additional questions and request the test. Nearly half said they would seek out more information online, while none of the respondents reported that they would attempt to order the test directly.
Consumers increasingly recognise that they can take an active role in managing their own health, seeking information and options that put them in control of their future. At the same time, physicians remain a highly trusted source, more so than government websites or media, underscoring their vital role in guiding informed decisions. This balance between personal empowerment and professional guidance is key: while individuals are motivated to take charge of their health, healthcare providers must be equipped with the right information, training, and tools to confidently discuss MCED and support patients in making proactive choices.
Access, cost, and equity must be addressed
Despite high interest, most participants expressed some concerns. While many hope MCED would provide peace of mind, others feared the stress of receiving a positive, or potentially false-positive, result. A follow-up with their healthcare provider was mentioned top of mind as a next step after hypothetically receiving the results.
This reveals another implementation challenge: emotional readiness. People need support not just for the test itself, but for what comes after, such as counselling, follow-up diagnostics, and care navigation.
Another concern revolved around the cost of MCED tests. Many felt that if the test wasn’t publicly covered, it would become a tool for the wealthy, eroding Canada’s commitment to universal healthcare.
“If people have to pay every time they wanted healthcare, they would not go until really necessary.” — Respondent #90124
Affordability will always be an important issue. For MCED to succeed in a moderate to long term timeline, public funding models and insurance coverage will be essential.
A call for proactive policy and public engagement
Although our study focused on Canada, the lessons are broadly applicable:
• People want better tools to detect cancer early
• They trust their doctors, but need easier access
• They’re concerned about equity, cost, and emotional impact
As MCED technology progresses, we must ensure that public understanding, provider training, and policy frameworks keep pace. We can't afford for such a powerful tool to be limited by lack of awareness or unequal access.
Looking ahead: The future of screening is changing
MCED tests represent one of the most exciting frontiers in cancer care. They promise a future where we can detect cancer before symptoms start and intervene earlier with a greater chance of successful outcomes.
But to realise this promise, we must:
Raise public awareness about what MCED is and how it works
Knowledge-share that cancers caught early are much less likely to be deadly than later diagnosis
Empower patients to ask questions and lead the conversation
Prepare front-line HCPs including pharmacists and nurses to answer questions and guide patients
Design equitable systems that ensure access for all, not just a privileged few
Support patients emotionally, not just clinically
Canada is just one case study, but it’s a revealing one. The future of cancer screening is not just about better tests. It’s about building systems and societies ready to use them wisely, fairly, and compassionately.
Want to continue the conversation? Connect with Marianne Fillion to learn more about this study or other research possibilities with our Precision Medicine and Diagnostics team