Concierge Medicine of Marshall County to host cancer detection blood testing event is Thursday

Concierge Medicine of Marshall County is opening its doors to the public this Thursday, June 25th, for a Shield cancer detection blitz day, offering residents an opportunity to get screened for multiple types of cancer with a simple blood draw. The event runs from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the practice's downtown location at 105 Water Street, at the corner of LaPorte and Water Streets.

The Shield Multi-Cancer Detection (MCD) test, developed by Guardant Health, is an FDA-approved, non-invasive blood test designed to screen for multiple cancer types simultaneously. Requiring no special preparation and only a routine blood draw, it offers a minimally invasive alternative to traditional screening methods for average-risk adults aged 45 and older.

The Shield test uses next-generation sequencing to measure DNA methylation in cell-free DNA, searching for specific DNA signatures linked to solid tumor cancers. The multi-cancer panel screens for several types of cancer, including colorectal, lung, breast, pancreatic, ovarian, and others. In clinical validation, the test has demonstrated high specificity — typically around 98% — and clinically meaningful sensitivity for detecting cancers and identifying their tissue of origin.

The test has also received an FDA Breakthrough Device designation to investigate screening for additional cancer types, including esophageal, gastric, liver, bladder, and more.

Organizers emphasize that participants do not need to be an existing patient at Concierge Medicine of Marshall County to take advantage of the event. Anyone aged 45 or older is welcome to stop in or call ahead to schedule a blood draw.

For eligible Medicare Part B patients, the Shield screening test is covered at zero out-of-pocket cost. Individuals 45 and older with other insurance coverage will pay no more than $50 for the test.

To schedule an appointment for this Thursday's event, call 574-540-2052 or stop in at 105 Water Street in downtown Plymouth.