Kevin McFarland, a lieutenant with his local fire department, and Dr. Robert Merritt, a thoracic surgeon who helped diagnose and treat Kevin, share how the Galleri multi-cancer early detection (MCED) test unexpectedly revealed that Kevin had a signal for esophageal cancer—despite having no symptoms. The test, offered by the fire department where Kevin works, led to further medical exams that identified his specific type of cancer. Kevin reflects on the emotional, mental, and physical impact of his diagnosis and treatment, the importance of early detection, and how the experience renewed his appreciation for his health and family and gave him "a new lease on life." Dr. Merritt credits the Galleri test and early detection for Kevin's positive prognosis and recovery. Their story highlights the critical role of accessibility, awareness, and advocacy in cancer detection.

Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BVOJXdWUkCo

Help shape future episodes by taking our survey: https://bit.ly/3sQkbrN

Transcripts: https://grail.com/podcast/

Sign up for GRAIL's newsletter: https://grail.com/newsletter-signup/

The Galleri test does not detect a signal for all cancers. Not all cancers can be detected in the blood. False positive and false negative results do occur. Galleri is a screening test and does not diagnose cancer. Diagnostic testing is needed to confirm cancer. The Galleri test should be used in addition to healthcare provider recommended screening tests.

See Important Safety Information: http://bit.ly/33m8pFa

The overall sensitivity in study participants with esophageal cancer was 85.0% (12.5% for stage I, 64.7% stage II, 94.1% stage III, 100% stage IV).

Based on a clinical study of people ages 50 to 79, around 1% are expected to receive a Cancer Signal Detected result. After diagnostic evaluation, around 40% of these people are expected to have a confirmed cancer diagnosis.

In this episode of The Cancer SIGNAL, Nima Nabavizadeh, MD, an associate professor of radiation medicine at Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) and the chief medical officer at the Cancer Early Detection Advanced Research Center (CEDAR) at OHSU, joins host Susanna Quinn to share the results from the groundbreaking GRAIL PATHFINDER 2 clinical trial unveiled at the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO 2025) Congress. As the principal investigator for the trial, which examined the safety and performance of the Galleri multi-cancer early detection test, Dr. Nabavizadeh discusses why the findings are pivotal for patients and could potentially redefine early cancer detection.

Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/owhDC8vH1hw

Help shape future episodes by taking our survey: https://bit.ly/3sQkbrN

Transcripts: https://grail.com/podcast/

Sign up for GRAIL's newsletter: https://grail.com/newsletter-signup/

The Galleri test does not detect a signal for all cancers. Not all cancers can be detected in the blood. False positive and false negative results do occur. Galleri is a screening test and does not diagnose cancer. Diagnostic testing is needed to confirm cancer. The Galleri test should be used in addition to healthcare provider recommended screening tests.

See Important Safety Information: http://bit.ly/33m8pFa

Based on a clinical study of people ages 50 to 79, around 1% are expected to receive a Cancer Signal Detected result. After diagnostic evaluation, around 40% of these people are expected to have a confirmed cancer diagnosis.

In this episode of The Cancer SIGNAL, Tad Carper, Senior VP of Communications for the Dallas Cowboys, shares how a multi-cancer early detection (MCED) screening unexpectedly revealed a cancer signal for head and neck cancer—despite experiencing no symptoms. The test, sponsored for the team's assistant coaches by quarterback Dak Prescott's foundation, Faith Fight Finish, was the first step toward Tad's stage two cancer diagnosis. Tad reflects on the emotional and mental impact of his diagnosis, the importance of early detection, and how the experience reshaped his values—deepening his appreciation for life, relationships, and the power of proactive health care. His story highlights the critical role of accessibility, awareness, and advocacy in cancer detection, and his commitment to "paying it forward" by helping others take early action in their own health journeys.

Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WuManHvHtS4

Help shape future episodes by taking our survey: https://bit.ly/3sQkbrN

Transcripts: https://grail.com/podcast/

Sign up for GRAIL's newsletter: https://grail.com/newsletter-signup/

The Galleri test does not detect a signal for all cancers. Not all cancers can be detected in the blood. False positive and false negative results do occur. The Galleri is a screening test and does not diagnose cancer. Diagnostic testing is needed to confirm cancer. The Galleri test should be used in addition to healthcare provider–recommended screening tests.

See Important Safety Information: http://bit.ly/33m8pFa

The overall sensitivity in study participants with head and neck cancer was 85.7% (63.2% for stage I, 82.4% stage II, 84.2% stage III, 96.0% stage IV).

Based on a clinical study of people ages 50 to 79, around 1% are expected to receive a Cancer Signal Detected result. After diagnostic evaluation, around 40% of these people are expected to have a confirmed cancer diagnosis.