OBJECTIVES: The emergence of multi-cancer early detection (MCED) tests has the potential to transform cancer screening. MCEDs can identify up to 50 types of cancers before symptom onset through a single blood test. While studies focusing on the efficacy and effectiveness of MCED are underway, there is a paucity of research regarding public views on these tests. We sought to explore public perspectives on the use of MCEDs.

METHODS: A qualitative study was conducted using one-on-one interviews with members of the public aged 45-70 recruited through a national survey panel. After viewing a brief educational video about MCEDs, semi-structured interview approaches explored sentiments about MCEDs and considerations for integrating MCEDs into clinical care and overseeing/regulating MCEDs. Data were analyzed using content analysis with a deductive coding approach.

RESULTS: We conducted 20 interviews with members of the public who averaged 64 years of age (SD=6.4). Half were Black, Indigenous, or other people of color, 20% were male, and 25% had a history of cancer. Participants universally liked the principle of MCEDs and valued their convenience and ability to improve early detection for many cancers (100%). Participants identified future applications for MCEDs, including developing precision-MCEDs looking for cancers based on individual susceptibility (40%) and using MCEDs for cancer monitoring and therapy selection (10%). Participants were receptive to using MCEDs in clinical care if providers disclosed that MCEDs are a new technology without long-term efficacy data. Participants expressed concern with the high out-of-pocket cost ($1,000), deemed personally prohibitive (100%) and unethical (10%), and with perceived inconsistencies in oversight/regulation as compared to other cancer screenings (90%).

CONCLUSIONS: Members of the public supported using MCEDs in clinical care, even amidst still-emerging evidence of their effectiveness. Reducing costs and improving transparency in regulatory oversight would alleviate the few remaining hesitations surrounding their use.