The Galleri test screens for more than 50 types of cancer with a single blood draw, using cell-free DNA methylation analysis to detect cancer signals before symptoms appear. Roughly 70% of cancer deaths come from cancers with no recommended screening test. Galleri targets those cancers specifically. Your provider reviews results and coordinates any follow-up diagnostics.
Over 50 cancer types, with particular sensitivity to aggressive, fast-growing cancers that typically have no recommended screening: pancreatic, ovarian, liver, esophageal, stomach, and head/neck cancers, among others. Recommended for adults 50 and older or those with elevated risk factors including strong family history, known genetic mutations (BRCA, Lynch syndrome), smoking history, or obesity.
A standard blood draw collects a sample that is sent to GRAIL's CLIA-certified, CAP-accredited laboratory. The test analyzes cell-free DNA (cfDNA) circulating in your bloodstream using targeted methylation sequencing. Cancer cells shed DNA with distinct methylation patterns compared to healthy cells. A machine learning algorithm evaluates these patterns to determine whether a cancer signal is present and, if so, predicts the cancer signal origin (the organ or tissue where the cancer likely started) with over 93% accuracy. Results are returned to your provider at Better Med Spa for clinical review and, if needed, diagnostic workup coordination.
At Better Med Spa's Lincoln Park location, your Galleri results are reviewed alongside your metabolic panels, hormone data, and health history so your provider can contextualize findings and coordinate any follow-up efficiently. If a cancer signal is detected, we help jumpstart referral process rather than leaving you to navigate it alone.
We're here to answer your questions and provide the best services for your needs. Schedule a consultation to learn how to reach your aesthetic goals.
"I came in 2 weeks ago for their Green Peel, which is a natural facial peel formulated with algae. It was my first time doing a skin peel so I was a bit anxious, but my tech Priscilla did a great job of informing me about the treatment throughout the process and about the aftercare."
"I got the Personalized Facial with a complimentary skin consultation with Xia. And it was so beyond amazing. This was by far one of the most intensive facials that I have ever gotten and I loved how much attention to detail Xia had throughout our entire session."
.avif)
"The Glass Facial was amazing. They specialize in Korean Beauty and only use products gentle for your skin unlike many Western treatments. My skin looks great even days later. I still have a glow and glass look with just simple skin care and moisturizing like I normally do. I definitely recommend this salon and suggest you try the K-Beauty services!"
.avif)
"It has been a month since I got Rejuran, and at least six people have complimented my skin since then! Izzy is amazing, her technique is professional and surprisingly painless, but what impressed me the most is her sense of aesthetics. She really listened to what I wanted, communicated actively with me, and confirmed everything carefully until I felt completely comfortable."
.avif)
"I had my very first facial today with Hailey and it was such a great experience! I booked the aromatherapy, dermaplaning, glass skin facial, and LED light treatment, and she walked me through every step so I felt comfortable the whole time. She made sure I was comfortable and explained what each product was doing. I’ll definitely be coming back and recommending this place to friends!"
.avif)
"I had my facial treatment with Hailey. She provided me with comprehensive information about facial and its effects on my skin. I’m so happy, satisfied and delighted with the result. Her kindness and outstanding professionalism are truly INCREDIBLE."
.avif)
"My esthetician was incredibly nice and took the time to explain the entire process to me, which really put me at ease. I appreciated how she tailored the treatment to my skin's needs, ensuring I received the best possible results. After the session, she provided me with thorough aftercare instructions, which I found very helpful."
.avif)
"Grace did a fantastic job. I don't have anything to compare it with, but the full service felt amazing. I was surprised by the number of steps included and how involved it ended up being. Head massage, facial massage, neck and shoulder massage, forearm and hand massage, all while working through multiple steps of the facial cleanse and treatment process. It was great. I'll be back again."
.avif)
"Went in for microneedling and EZ Gel. I felt confident and comfortable the whole time. Highly recommend!"
.avif)
"The results are truly unbelievable and I’m left speechless each time I leave. I would highly recommend buying a membership it helps you pour into yourself monthly and the results and satisfaction won’t disappoint!"
.avif)
Screen for 50+ cancer types with a single blood draw. Detect the cancers that standard screenings miss.
Cancer screening, as it exists today, is built around individual tests for individual cancers: mammography for breast, colonoscopy for colorectal, low-dose CT for lung, Pap/HPV for cervical. These tests save lives. But they cover only a fraction of the cancers that kill people. Roughly 70% of cancer deaths in the United States are caused by cancers for which there is no recommended screening test. Pancreatic cancer, ovarian cancer, liver cancer, stomach cancer, esophageal cancer: these are typically diagnosed only after symptoms appear, often at stage III or IV when treatment options are limited and survival rates are low.
The Galleri test, developed by GRAIL, is a multi-cancer early detection (MCED) blood test that screens for more than 50 cancer types in a single blood draw. It does not replace mammograms, colonoscopies, or any other recommended screening. It adds a broad cancer screening layer on top of them, specifically targeting the cancers that slip through the gaps. At Better Med Spa in Lincoln Park, Chicago, we offer the Galleri test as part of our diagnostic and longevity programs, integrated with your provider's full understanding of your metabolic, hormonal, and overall health data.
Every cell in your body sheds small fragments of DNA into your bloodstream as part of normal cell turnover. This is called cell-free DNA (cfDNA). If cancer cells are present, they shed DNA too, and that tumor-derived cfDNA carries distinct molecular signatures that differentiate it from healthy-cell DNA.
The Galleri test focuses on one specific type of molecular signature: DNA methylation patterns. Methylation is a chemical modification that cells use to regulate gene expression, essentially turning genes on and off. Methylation patterns differ by tissue type, and cancer cells produce abnormal methylation patterns that are distinguishable from those of healthy cells. By analyzing these methylation signatures across the cfDNA in your blood sample, the Galleri test's machine learning algorithm can determine two things: whether a cancer signal is present, and where in the body it most likely originated.
Your blood sample is sent to GRAIL's clinical laboratory, which is CLIA-certified and accredited by the College of American Pathologists (CAP). The lab performs targeted methylation sequencing on the cfDNA extracted from your sample. A proprietary machine learning model, trained on data from clinical studies with over 20,000 participants, evaluates the methylation patterns and classifies the result as either "No Cancer Signal Detected" or "Cancer Signal Detected." If a cancer signal is detected, the test predicts the cancer signal origin (CSO), the most likely organ or tissue of origin, with over 93% accuracy based on clinical validation data published in the Annals of Oncology.
The Galleri test is not FDA-approved. It is available as a laboratory-developed test (LDT) regulated under CLIA. It does not detect all cancers, and not all cancers shed detectable levels of cfDNA into the bloodstream. False positives (a cancer signal reported when no cancer is present) and false negatives (no signal detected when cancer is present) both occur. The test performs better for aggressive, fast-growing cancers that shed more DNA and is less sensitive for slower-growing cancers like some early-stage breast or prostate tumors. A "No Cancer Signal Detected" result does not rule out cancer. These are real limitations, and your provider at Better Med Spa will discuss them with you before ordering the test.
The Galleri test screens for signals associated with more than 50 cancer types. It is particularly sensitive to cancers that are aggressive and historically difficult to catch early:
The test also screens for cancers that do have recommended screening (breast, colorectal, lung, cervical), but it is explicitly designed to supplement, not replace, those tests. Clinical data shows that adding Galleri to standard single-cancer screenings approximately doubled the number of cancers detected.
Screens for cancers you can't screen for any other way. This is the core value proposition. If you're diligent about mammograms, colonoscopies, and annual physicals, you're still uncovered for the majority of cancer types. Galleri fills that gap with a single blood draw, targeting the cancers responsible for the most deaths that currently have no recommended screening protocol.
Predicts where the cancer signal is coming from. A positive result doesn't just tell you "something was found." The cancer signal origin (CSO) prediction identifies the most likely organ or tissue with over 93% accuracy, which directs your provider to the right diagnostic workup immediately rather than ordering a battery of scans looking for the source.
Catches aggressive cancers that move fast. The Galleri test is most sensitive to cancers that shed large amounts of DNA into the bloodstream, and those tend to be the aggressive, fast-moving cancers that have the worst prognosis when caught late. Detecting these tumors while they're still early-stage or even pre-symptomatic can meaningfully change treatment options and outcomes.
Simple, low-burden process. The test requires a standard blood draw. No bowel prep. No sedation. No imaging appointment. No radiation exposure. For patients in Chicago's Lincoln Park neighborhood and across the North Side, the blood draw takes about 10 minutes at our clinic and can be combined with any other lab panels you're running that day.
Annual screening builds a longitudinal picture. Galleri is designed for annual use. Each year's result becomes a data point in your broader health record at Better Med Spa, tracked alongside your metabolic panels, hormone levels, and other diagnostics. If a signal appears that wasn't present the prior year, your provider has context for how aggressively to pursue follow-up.
GRAIL recommends the Galleri test for adults with an elevated risk of cancer, particularly those aged 50 and older. Age is the single largest risk factor for cancer: adults over 50 are 13 times more likely to have cancer compared to those under 50. Beyond age, your provider may recommend the test if you have a strong family history of cancer, known genetic mutations (BRCA1, BRCA2, Lynch syndrome), a personal history of smoking, or other lifestyle factors that elevate baseline cancer risk (obesity, diabetes, significant occupational exposures).
The Galleri test is not appropriate for everyone. It is not recommended for individuals who are pregnant, under 21 years of age, or currently undergoing active cancer treatment. Patients with a diagnosed cancer being managed by an oncologist should not use this test as a monitoring tool. If you are experiencing active symptoms that suggest cancer (unexplained weight loss, persistent pain, new masses, abnormal bleeding), you need diagnostic testing through your physician, not a screening test. Galleri is for asymptomatic patients who want to screen proactively for cancers that standard tests do not cover.
At Better Med Spa, Dr. Brechner and our providers evaluate each patient's risk profile before ordering the Galleri test. This is not a test we offer to every walk-in. It's a prescription-only test ordered when the clinical indication is there, often as part of a broader diagnostic protocol that may include our Comprehensive Hormone Panel or Advanced Wellness Baseline Test to build a full health picture.
Step 1: Consultation. Your provider reviews your health history, family cancer history, and current risk factors to determine whether the Galleri test is appropriate for you. This conversation typically takes place as part of a broader wellness consultation at our Lincoln Park clinic, often alongside discussion of our Advanced Wellness Baseline Test or other diagnostic panels.
Step 2: Blood draw. A standard venous blood draw, no different from any routine lab work. No fasting required. The draw takes approximately 10 minutes at our clinic at 2117 N Halsted St in Lincoln Park, Chicago. Your sample can be collected during the same visit as other lab panels to minimize trips.
Step 3: Lab processing. Your sample is shipped to GRAIL's CLIA-certified laboratory. Results are typically returned within approximately 10 business days.
Step 4: Results review. Your provider reviews the results and schedules a follow-up consultation, either in-person at our Lincoln Park location or via telehealth for patients anywhere in Illinois. If the result is "No Cancer Signal Detected," your provider discusses what that means (and doesn't mean), recommends a retest interval (typically annual), and notes it in your longitudinal health record. If the result is "Cancer Signal Detected," your provider reviews the cancer signal origin prediction, discusses next steps, and coordinates referrals for diagnostic imaging, biopsy, or specialist evaluation.
Step 5: Follow-up coordination. If diagnostic workup is needed, Better Med Spa coordinates the referral process. You're not handed a result and told to figure it out. Your provider manages the pathway from screening result to diagnostic confirmation, connecting you with oncology specialists in the Chicago area as needed.
Most cancers have no screening test. The Galleri test changes that.
Schedule a consultation to discuss whether the Galleri Multi-Cancer Early Detection Test is appropriate for your risk profile. One blood draw. 50+ cancer types. A provider who manages the process from screening to follow-up.
Mammography (breast), colonoscopy (colorectal), low-dose CT (lung, high-risk patients), Pap/HPV (cervical), and PSA (prostate, controversial). These tests save lives and should be continued on schedule. However, they cover only 5 cancer types out of hundreds. The remaining cancers, including many of the deadliest, have no recommended screening and are typically found only after symptoms develop.
Screens for 50+ cancer types in a single blood draw using cfDNA methylation analysis. Targets the cancers that standard screening misses. Predicts cancer signal origin to guide efficient diagnostic workup. Does not replace standard screenings. Designed as a complementary layer that, in clinical studies, approximately doubled the number of cancers detected when added to routine screening. Annual testing recommended.
The Galleri test list price is $980. The price includes the blood draw, partner costs, and laboratory analysis. It also includes a follow-up diagnostic review, as well as help determining who to go to if a cancer signal is detected. Most health insurance plans, including Medicare and Medicaid, do not currently cover the Galleri test. We do accept Cherry financing. For patients combining Galleri with other panels through our membership program, your provider can structure an annual testing protocol that keeps per-test costs manageable. We publish pricing because you should not have to book a consultation just to find out what something costs.
Transparency matters when the test you're considering costs nearly $1,000 and carries real clinical weight. Here's where the evidence stands.
Clinical validation: The Galleri test has been studied in clinical trials with over 20,000 participants. Key findings have been published in the Annals of Oncology and The Lancet. Clinical validation data shows sensitivity above 70% for the 12 deadliest cancer types, a cancer signal origin prediction accuracy of 93.4%, and a low false positive rate relative to other MCED tests. The PATHFINDER studies (1 and 2) demonstrated that the test can detect early-stage cancers in asymptomatic, intended-use populations.
Regulatory status: The Galleri test has not been cleared or approved by the FDA. It is available as a laboratory-developed test (LDT) under CLIA regulations. GRAIL's laboratory is CLIA-certified and accredited by the College of American Pathologists (CAP). GRAIL is pursuing FDA approval, and data collection from ongoing studies (including a Medicare-based U.S. study and the NHS-Galleri trial in the United Kingdom) is part of that pathway.
What remains unknown: The biggest open question is whether detecting cancers earlier through MCED testing translates to improved survival outcomes and reduced mortality. Large-scale randomized trials are underway to answer this, but definitive results are not yet available. This is an important distinction: finding cancer earlier is intuitively valuable, but the clinical evidence proving that Galleri screening saves lives is still being generated. Your provider will discuss this context with you as part of the informed consent process.
We offer this test because the data supporting its detection capability is strong, the risk of a blood draw is minimal, and for patients with elevated cancer risk, the potential to catch an aggressive cancer early is a meaningful addition to their health strategy. We also believe you deserve to know exactly what the test can and cannot do before deciding.
The Galleri test and genetic risk tests answer different questions. BRCA testing (and similar hereditary panels) evaluates whether you carry genetic mutations that increase your future risk of developing certain cancers. It tells you about predisposition, not current disease. The Galleri test is a screening tool that looks for DNA shed by cancer cells that may already be present in your body right now. It detects current cancer signals, not future genetic risk. Both have value, and they serve complementary roles. Patients with known BRCA or Lynch syndrome mutations are actually strong candidates for Galleri precisely because their elevated baseline risk makes broad cancer screening more clinically justified.
Yes. The Galleri blood draw can be collected at the same visit as your Advanced Wellness Baseline Test, hormone panels, or any other diagnostic labs you're running at our clinic at 2117 N Halsted St in Lincoln Park. No separate appointment needed. The Galleri test does not require fasting, so even if your other labs do, the draws can happen together. Consolidating everything into a single morning visit is how most of our Chicago patients prefer to handle their annual testing.
Galleri is designed for annual screening. Cancer can develop between tests, so annual retesting gives your provider the best chance of detecting a signal while it's still early-stage. Your provider will recommend a testing cadence based on your individual risk profile. Some patients integrate it into an annual wellness protocol at our Lincoln Park clinic that includes metabolic panels, hormone testing, and Galleri, all tracked longitudinally so your provider can compare each year's results against prior data.
It means the test did not find methylation patterns consistent with cancer in your cfDNA sample at the time of testing. It does not guarantee that you are cancer-free. Some cancers may not shed detectable levels of DNA, or may be too small to produce a detectable signal at the time of your draw. This is why Galleri is used in addition to standard screenings, not as a replacement. A negative result is reassuring, but it does not eliminate the need for mammograms, colonoscopies, or other age-appropriate cancer screenings. Your provider will frame the result appropriately during your review.
.avif)