Subject: Cancer Screening Blood Test for Alameda County Firefighters 

Alameda County Fire Members and Retirees, 

Beating cancer starts with knowing that you have it. Firefighters have a 9% increased risk of a cancer diagnosis, and a 14% higher rate of dying from cancer than the general population. This is in part because of our occupational exposure, but also because cancer screenings are limited and most cancers are found too late. 

We are pleased to be offering the new Galleri Multi-Cancer Early Detection Screening Test for our firefighters, retirees, and loved ones to increase early cancer detection.

The Galleri test is done through a simple blood draw and can detect more than 50 different types of cancer in the earliest stages. It works by detecting fragments of DNA in the blood that have been "shed" by cancer cells. Learn more by watching this 2 minute video. 

Several fire departments across the country have provided Galleri testing for their departments. You can watch this short video about the recent offering with the San Francisco Fire Dept, or read this recent article in TIME magazine featuring Galleri as one of the best inventions of 2022. Galleri was also featured in Firehouse Magazine here, here, and here.

Dr. Candace Westgate, a physician in St Helena, CA and Medical Director of the Adventist Health Early-All Around Detection Program, will be ordering all tests and coordinating results. She has recorded THIS video to share information with you about the Galleri test. Galleri is recommended for those at an increased risk of cancer, such as those over the age of 50. Galleri is not recommended if you are pregnant, under age 22, or undergoing active cancer treatment. Since Galleri is looking for DNA shed by tumor cells, it has a higher sensitivity for more aggressive, more lethal cancers. Galleri does not detect all cancers. 

The cost of Galleri testing for first responders is $649 (list price $949) and is not yet covered by insurance. The Alameda County Fire Dept is not able to cover this cost for you and you would be invoiced directly. This cost includes the blood draw, assay, and negative result delivery via email. Galleri is HSA/FSA eligible and interest free payment plans are available. Note: If you screen positive for Galleri (~1% chance), Dr. Westgate will meet with you to discuss your test result and next steps. The cost for that consultation is an additional $130.   

If you would like to sign up for Galleri testing and have a test kit mailed to you, please CLICK HERE.