Cancer Screening Tests Compared
Compare the cancer screening tests you can order: multi-cancer early detection (MCED), blood and stool colorectal tests, a lung test, and hereditary risk testing. Tests used after a diagnosis are listed separately below.
See Our Top Picks →Important: These tests complement but do not replace standard cancer screening guidelines (mammograms, colonoscopy, etc). Discuss with your physician before ordering.
Screening Test Comparison
Prices verified Aug 13, 2026
Tests a person without a cancer diagnosis can order, most with a clinician's prescription. Prenetics CIRCLE is a hereditary risk test: it reports inherited variants, not whether cancer is present now.
| Test | Price | Cancers | Sensitivity | Specificity | FDA Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Galleri by GRAIL | $949 | 50+ cancers | >70% for the 12 deadliest cancers | 99.6% (0.4% false positive rate) | Not FDA approved (PMA under review; advisory panel Sept 2026) |
| Shield by Guardant | $1495 | Colorectal only | 83% for CRC (54.5-65% Stage I) | 90% | FDA approved (CRC test only) |
| Cologuard by Exact Sciences | $599 | Colorectal only | 95% for CRC | 94% | FDA approved |
| Prenetics CIRCLE | Varies | 35+ cancer risk reports | Variable | Variable | Not FDA approved |
| Freenome | Variable | Colorectal only | 81.1% for CRC | 90.4% | FDA approved |
| Delfi Diagnostics | Variable | Lung cancer | 80% sensitivity | 58% specificity | Not FDA approved |
Tests for People Already Diagnosed
These tests are ordered by an oncologist after a cancer diagnosis, to profile a tumor, guide treatment, or watch for recurrence. They are not screening tests, they answer different clinical questions, and we do not rank them against each other or against the tests above. Pricing is set by the lab and your insurer.
| Test | Used for | Cancers | Method | Status | Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Signatera by Natera | Recurrence Monitoring | Patient-specific | ctDNA (personalized) | CLIA LDT (CDx approved only for bladder cancer) | Medicare covered (multiple indications) |
| Oncotype DX | Breast Cancer Recurrence Score | Breast recurrence risk | Gene expression | Guideline recommended | Insurance often covers (91% pay under $100) |
| Foundation Medicine | Comprehensive Genomic | 324 genes | Genomic profiling | FDA approved (CDx) | Often covered |
| Tempus | AI Genomic Analysis | 648 genes | Genomic + AI | FDA approved (CDx) | Often covered |
Screening Test Profiles
Galleri by GRAIL
Detects 50+ cancer types • Predicts cancer signal origin • Single blood draw • Available with Rx
Shield by Guardant
FDA-approved for CRC • Medicare coverage • Blood-based alternative to colonoscopy • Primary screening option
Cologuard by Exact Sciences
At-home stool collection • High sensitivity for CRC • Insurance covered • Established track record
Prenetics CIRCLE
Direct to consumer • Whole-exome saliva test • Inherited risk across 35+ cancers • Does not detect existing cancer
Freenome
FDA approved July 2026 • Blood-based colorectal screening • cfDNA plus protein markers • Medicare coverage approved
Delfi Diagnostics
Lung cancer blood test • Fragmentomics technology • Complements low-dose CT • For lung-screening-eligible adults
Head-to-Head Comparisons
Frequently Asked Questions
What is multi-cancer early detection (MCED)?
MCED tests analyze blood samples for signals (like DNA methylation patterns or circulating tumor DNA) that may indicate cancer. Galleri can detect signals from 50+ cancer types, many of which lack traditional screening methods. However, sensitivity varies by cancer type and stage.
Should I get Galleri or stick with traditional screening?
MCED tests like Galleri are meant to complement, not replace, standard screening (mammograms, colonoscopy, Pap smears). They may catch cancers without standard screening options but have modest overall sensitivity: Galleri detected 51.5% of cancers in GRAIL's CCGA validation study (Klein et al., Ann Oncol 2021) and 39.3% of cancers diagnosed within a year in the PATHFINDER 2 screening study (Nabavizadeh et al., Nat Med 2026). Best for higher-risk individuals after discussing with a doctor.
Is Shield better than colonoscopy?
Shield is an FDA-approved blood test alternative for colorectal cancer screening with 83% sensitivity for CRC. Colonoscopy remains the reference standard and can remove polyps during the same procedure. Shield is best for people who decline or can't have colonoscopy.
Does insurance cover cancer screening tests?
Cologuard is often covered by insurance for eligible individuals (age 45+). Shield has Medicare coverage. Galleri is not yet covered by most insurance. Always check with your insurer for specific coverage.