The company will offer access to GRAIL’s Galleri test, which screens for more than 50 types of cancer through a blood draw.
Hims & Hers Health Inc has launched access to the Galleri multi-cancer early detection test through its digital health platform, making the blood-based screening available to customers at a discounted price.
The Galleri test, developed by GRAIL Inc, uses a blood draw to screen for more than 50 types of cancer, including those without recommended screening protocols. The test can detect cancer signals even before symptoms appear and provides predictions about where in the body the signal is likely originating.
“Even though cancer screening technology has advanced significantly, there are still too many life-changing diagnoses that should have been made earlier. Access to innovation is the key to changing that,” says Andrew Dudum, co-founder and CEO at Hims & Hers, in a release. “World-class care should be available to everyone, not just those with the time and resources to navigate the traditional system.”
Addressing Screening Gaps
The partnership aims to address a gap in cancer detection. While recommended screenings exist for breast, cervical, colorectal, prostate, and lung cancers, aggressive cancers like pancreatic and ovarian are often discovered at later stages when treatment outcomes may be worse, according to a release from the company.
More than one in three people will develop cancer in their lifetime, according to the company. The Galleri test is designed to complement existing recommended screenings and can be taken annually as a proactive screening measure.
“We know that cancers found early, before they’ve spread, can potentially have better outcomes than those caught later after the cancer has spread,” says Dr Pat Carroll, chief medical officer at Hims & Hers, in a release. “With access to this new, innovative screening technology, we’re empowering customers to tackle health challenges when treatment can be more manageable and more successful.”
Test Performance and Limitations
The Galleri test uses advanced technology to detect cancer signals in blood samples. However, the company notes that the test does not detect all cancers, and false positive and false negative results can occur.
GRAIL believes making validated multi-cancer early detection tests available as a complement to recommended cancer screenings can help increase cancer detection before cancers spread and improve outcomes.
“Hims & Hers is at the forefront of making healthcare more attainable and impactful for those who want to take control of their health,” says Josh Ofman, MD, MSHS, president at GRAIL, in a release. “As a leader in digital health solutions, Hims is a natural partner to offer the Galleri test helping bring personalized, innovative healthcare to a broader population.”
Pricing and Availability
Starting immediately, Hims & Hers customers can add the Multi-Cancer Test by Galleri to existing Labs plans at a $250 discount from the Galleri list price. The test is available through the company’s website platforms for both male and female customers.
The partnership represents Hims & Hers’ continued expansion into advanced diagnostic testing, leveraging its digital platform to increase access to healthcare technologies.
Photo caption: Cancer detection results
Photo credit: Hims & Hers
