Multi-cancer early detection tests: national estimates of awareness and perceived value in the United States.

purposeTo compute national estimates of multi-cancer early detection (MCED) test awareness and perceived value, and to evaluate whether these estimates varied significantly across population groups.

methodsData from the 2024 Health Information National Trends Survey, a nationally representative survey conducted by the National Cancer Institute. MCED test awareness and perceived value were based on two self-reported items. Independent variables included demographic and socioeconomic characteristics, health status, medical history, and health information behavior and technology use. Robust Poisson regression models estimated adjusted prevalence ratios (aPRs) and 95% CIs.

resultsThe weighted sample represented 244 million U.S. adults, with 16.8% (95% CI 15.2%-18.3%) aware of MCED tests and 42.1% (40.0%-44.2%) perceiving them as very valuable. In adjusted analyses, Hispanic ethnicity (aPR = 1.28 [1.01-1.63]) and health-related social media use (aPR = 1.04 [1.01-1.06]) were significantly associated with MCED test awareness. Factors significantly associated with perceiving MCED tests as very valuable included: minoritized race/ethnicity (non-Hispanic Black: aPR = 1.31 [1.15-1.50]; Hispanic: aPR = 1.40 [1.22-1.59]), family cancer history (aPR = 1.17 [1.03-1.34]), and frequent patient portal use (≥ 6 times vs. none: aPR = 1.23 [1.06-1.42]). Conversely, adults aged 18-34, 65-74, or 75 + years were significantly less likely to perceive MCED tests as very valuable compared to those aged 50-64 years.

conclusionAs MCED tests advance toward FDA approval and potential health insurance coverage, addressing disparities in awareness and perceived value will require targeted outreach strategies that reach populations with lower digital health engagement and ensure balanced information about both the benefits and limitations of MCED testing.