Maria Menounos Reveals Breakthrough Blood Test That Detects Over 50 Cancers
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The importance of early cancer detection cannot be overstated, and Maria Menounos, the host of the wellness podcast Heal Squad, knows this firsthand. At the age of 47, Menounos had just recovered from a brain tumor in 2022 when she began experiencing stomach pain. Routine tests failed to pinpoint the issue, prompting Menounos to undergo a full-body Prenuvo MRI scan. The results were alarming – she had a tumor on her pancreas, and it was cancerous. Typically, pancreatic cancer is not discovered until it’s too late for effective treatment. However, thanks to early detection, Menounos was able to undergo surgery to remove the tumor successfully.
Menounos has now become a vocal advocate for early cancer screenings, emphasising the critical role they play in saving lives. Teaming up with Exact Sciences, the company behind the widely known at-home colon cancer test Cologuard, Menounos is promoting a groundbreaking new blood test called Cancerguard. This innovative test can detect more than 50 different types and subtypes of cancer, allowing for early intervention and treatment.
The Cancerguard test is a game-changer in the field of cancer detection. It involves a simple blood draw, which can provide vital information about a person’s cancer risk. Menounos stresses that a positive test result does not mean a definitive cancer diagnosis but serves as a crucial step towards further cancer testing. On the other hand, a negative result should not deter individuals from continuing their routine screenings with their healthcare providers.
One of the significant advantages of the Cancerguard test is its ability to detect cancers that often go unnoticed until they reach advanced stages. This early detection can significantly improve treatment outcomes and increase the chances of survival for patients. The test, priced at $689, will be available through Quest Diagnostics and private medical offices, targeting cancers such as esophageal, liver, ovarian, pancreatic, and stomach cancers.
Menounos highlights that approximately 70% of cancer cases and deaths in the US stem from cancers that lack routine screening protocols. This gap in early detection can have devastating consequences, as seen in cases like pancreatic cancer where symptoms are often absent until the disease has progressed significantly. Menounos urges individuals to take charge of their health and advocate for comprehensive screening measures to minimise the risk of late-stage cancer diagnoses.
Reflecting on her own journey with cancer, Menounos acknowledges the critical role that early detection played in her survival. Despite initially negative test results, her persistence in seeking further evaluation led to the discovery of her rare pancreatic cancer. This experience has reinforced Menounos’s belief in empowering individuals to proactively manage their health and well-being.
As the CEO of our health journeys, Menounos encourages everyone to prioritise regular screenings, maintain open communication with healthcare providers, and explore innovative screening options like the Cancerguard test. By staying informed and proactive, individuals can take significant strides towards early cancer detection and ultimately better health outcomes.
In conclusion, Maria Menounos’s advocacy for early cancer screenings and the introduction of the Cancerguard test underscore the importance of proactive health management. By leveraging innovative technology and promoting regular screenings, individuals can take control of their health and potentially detect cancer at its earliest and most treatable stages.
(Note: This article is a reimagined version of a story detailing Maria Menounos’s collaboration with Exact Sciences to promote early cancer detection through the Cancerguard blood test.)