Public Perspectives on Multi-Cancer Early Detection: A Qualitative Study.

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Genomics
• Public Health

Background:

• Multi-cancer early detection (MCED) tests offer potential to screen for over 50 cancer types from a single blood sample, revolutionizing cancer screening.
• Research on MCEDs' safety and effectiveness is ongoing, but public perception and understanding remain under-explored.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore public perspectives and understanding of multi-cancer early detection (MCED) tests in patient care.
• To assess public attitudes towards the potential benefits and harms of MCEDs.

Main Methods:

• A qualitative, cross-sectional study involving semi-structured interviews with 27 US residents aged 45-70.
• Purposive sampling ensured racial diversity; thematic analysis with deductive coding was used for data analysis.

Main Results:

• Most participants (85%) viewed MCEDs positively, finding them easy to understand (88%) and convenient.
• Key concerns included test inaccuracy (96%), cost (92%), test-related anxiety (56%), and lack of evidence (22%).
• Participants preferred MCEDs integrated into primary care (93%) but worried about equitable access (44%).

Conclusions:

• US public expresses strong interest in MCEDs, contingent on safety and effectiveness.
• Concerns regarding cost, accuracy, and equity must be addressed for widespread MCED adoption.
• MCEDs integrated into primary care are likely acceptable to patients, highlighting public interest in advancing this technology.