Introducing the Galleri® multi-cancer early detection test for eligible Manulife colleagues

The Galleri test is a blood test that looks for a signal that could indicate cancer. If a cancer signal is detected, the test can also identify where the cancer may have originated in the body, which can support more efficient follow-up testing. Galleri cannot diagnose cancer, but it could lead to an earlier diagnosis and can help give you better insights into your health.* If a cancer signal is detected on your Galleri test results, Medcan will guide you through follow-up testing and coordinate ongoing care with your family physician. 

While the Galleri test screens for over 50 cancers, detection rate can vary across different cancer types. The Galleri test is more sensitive to – and therefore better at detecting – certain cancers including pancreatic, ovarian, and liver. It is less effective at detecting other cancers such as breast and prostate. The Galleri test does not detect brain or thyroid cancers.* See below for the full list of cancer types screened by the Galleri test for more details.

The test is supported by extensive real-world experience and has been rigorously studied with demonstrated performance in case-controlled and interventional studies of more than 380,000 participants.

The Galleri test provides two possible results: “cancer signal detected” or “no cancer signal detected.”  

When the test detects a cancer signal, the study showed that there is a strong likelihood that it is accurate. In PATHFINDER 2, the positive predictive value (PPV) was 61.7%, meaning most cancer signal detected results resulted in a confirmed cancer diagnosis. For comparison, the PPV for mammograms ranges from only 3.8% – 16.8% - much lower than Galleri. 

The study results show that the false positive rate is 0.4%. That means if 1000 people are tested, only 4 will receive a cancer signal detected result and go on to have no cancer diagnosis. To look at it another way, people who don’t have cancer are very unlikely to receive a cancer signal from the test (99.6%), which minimizes unnecessary diagnostic workups and follow-up testing.

Reference

The Galleri test is not a genetic risk assessment and does not predict future genetic risk for cancer.

All cells in your body, including cancer cells, shed DNA fragments into the bloodstream when they complete their life cycle and die. The Galleri test screens your blood sample and identifies DNA fragments shed into the blood by developing cancers. Although there are many types of cancer, these DNA fragments act like a unique “fingerprint” often associated with cancer. 

The GRAIL clinical laboratory is certified under the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments of 1988 (CLIA) and accredited by the College of American Pathologists. The Galleri test was developed and its performance characteristics were determined by GRAIL. The Galleri test has not been cleared or approved by the Food and Drug Administration. This test is not Health Canada or FDA approved, and has not been endorsed by any professional medical societies at this time. The GRAIL clinical laboratory is regulated under CLIA to perform high-complexity testing. The Galleri test is intended for clinical purposes.  

• Manulife benefits eligible colleagues, domiciled in Ontario.
• Must be 50 years of age or older OR age 40-49 with one or more risk factors. Risk factors include:
• Cancer survivor who completed treatment at least 3 years ago, excluding basal or squamous cell carcinoma of the skin
• Currently smokes or quit smoking less than 10 years ago
• Diagnosis of cirrhosis or chronic Hepatitis B or C infection
• Infection with certain strains of HPV (e.g. HPV 16 or 18)
• Known hereditary cancer syndrome; Confirmation or documentation of a gene mutation associated with increased cancer risk (e.g., Li-Fraumeni syndrome, Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer syndrome [BRCA1/2], Lynch syndrome, CHEK2).
• Documented genetic predisposition (germline variant)
• First degree relative with cancer, excluding basal or squamous cell carcinoma of the skin and/or the second cancer is not a recurrence or metastasis
• History of HIV infection
• Current use of immunosuppressive therapies after organ transplantation
• Diabetes
• BMI: Female ≥ 30 | Male ≥ 35

Medcan is currently the exclusive provider of the Grail Galleri test in Canada.

The following Medcan offices that offer the Galleri test include:

• 150 York St, Suite 1500, Toronto, ON M5H 3S5
• 2275 Upper Middle Road E., Suite 501, Oakville, ON L6H 0C3
• 40 Huron St., Unit 202, Collingwood, ON L9Y 4R3

At the moment, unfortunately, the program is not available to colleagues who are not domiciled in Ontario.

Preferred Manulife colleague pricing for eligible colleagues: $1,460 CAD.

This price includes a $150 Manulife subsidy.  Please note the employer subsidy is considered a taxable benefit so you will see a taxable benefit on your Manulife pay slip should you take the test.

Yes. The Galleri test is considered an eligible expense under your Health Care Spending Account (HCSA), as long as you have sufficient funds available in your account.

It’s generally recommended to talk to your doctor or primary care provider before taking any medical test, however, if you decide to request the Galleri test, you’ll have the option to provide your doctor’s contact information. That way, in the event your test results indicate a cancer signal and diagnostic testing is recommended, your results can automatically be shared with your physician.

Colleagues can book their test through Medcan using the instructions in their email:

• Complete the form above: Enter personal details and the unique ID code. Unique ID codes were provided via email.
• A Medcan representative will contact you to confirm next steps and schedule an appointment.

Your privacy is our top priority. Your test results will not be shared with Manulife. By entering your information or access code, you are providing consent for Medcan to share your unique ID code with the Manulife Benefits Team for the sole purpose of administering the applicable taxable benefit. Medcan is responsible for collecting, storing, and maintaining evidence of your consent. Your information will be collected, used, protected, and disclosed only in accordance with all applicable privacy laws.  Please refer to the Medcan Privacy Policy for full details on how your information is handled.

• Medcan support: galleri@medcan.com or 416-350-5222
• For dedicated Manulife colleague support, call AskHR at 1-877-455-2055 or email CA HR Benefits