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Denver-Boulder · Test guide · Cancer-detection testing

Cancer detection tests in Denver-Boulder

A blood test that looks for many cancers at once, plus the standard checks clinics offer alongside it. Here's what each one does, what it costs, and which Denver-Boulder clinics offer them.

Denver photograph by Bill Griepenstroh · Unsplash
The short answer

The newest test here is a blood draw that looks for signals from many cancers at once. A signal means more testing, not a diagnosis, and it doesn't replace your regular screenings. The same clinics also offer standard checks like mammograms and stool tests, which your own doctor may already arrange.

The tests, in plain English

Think of a multi-cancer blood test like a smoke alarm for the whole house. When it goes off, you still have to search room by room to find the source, and sometimes there's nothing there.

Multi-cancer blood test

Looks in one blood draw for bits of DNA that cancer cells shed, and guesses where they came from. A signal needs scans and often a biopsy to confirm. No signal does not mean no cancer.

For: Adults wanting an extra layer on top of regular screening

Inherited-risk gene panel

Checks genes you were born with that raise cancer risk. It does not look for cancer itself, but it can change when and how often you get screened. Talking to a genetic counselor before and after is normal.

For: Anyone with cancer in close family, especially at a young age

Mammogram

An X-ray of the breast that finds cancer before it can be felt. If you have dense breasts, ask about extra imaging.

For: Women 40 to 74, every other year

At-home stool test

A kit you mail back that checks for hidden blood or DNA changes linked to colon cancer. A positive result means a colonoscopy next.

For: Adults 45 to 75

Skin check

A doctor looks over your skin for unusual or changing spots. Experts say there is not enough evidence yet that routine checks help people without symptoms.

For: People with many moles or skin cancer in the family

Showing 3 clinics that publish cancer-detection testing in Denver-Boulder

Dr. Alex GoldsmithDr. Chitra PeddadaDr. Jonathan Zonca
Concierge internal and family medicine practice with an expanded annual lab panel and, from age 50, coronary calcium scoring, carotid CIMT and abdominal MRI.

Colorado Center for Medical Excellence

Denver
Heart & circulationBrain & cognitionCancer risk & screening

Colorado Center of Medical Excellence (CCME) is a concierge internal and family medicine practice in Denver with four physicians. Its annual exam includes an expanded laboratory panel, EKG, pulmonary function, cognitive and hearing testing and InBody body composition, with coronary calcium scoring, carotid ultrasound and CIMT, thyroid ultrasound and abdominal MRI from age 50.

Tests & services

Comprehensive biomarker panel Coronary calcium score Bioimpedance body composition Carotid ultrasound +7 more
See if it’s a fit →
Girish Paranjape, DO, ABFM, CAQSM, National Jewish Health Executive Health
Hospital-based executive physical program sold in four packages of on-site testing, with a full-body MRI and Galleri screening in the top tiers.

National Jewish Health Executive Health

Denver
Strength, fitness & body compositionBrain & cognitionCancer risk & screening

National Jewish Health's Executive Health program runs executive physicals from a private suite at its Center for Outpatient Health in Denver. Four packages share a core of a physical exam, lab panel, coronary calcium CT, cognitive screening, BOD POD and DEXA; higher tiers add a Cleerly heart scan, VO2 max testing, a full-body MRI and Galleri multi-cancer screening. Led by Girish Paranjape, DO.

Tests & services

Comprehensive biomarker panel Coronary calcium score DEXA scan Full-body MRI +11 more
See if it’s a fit →
Dr. Rebecca BubDr. David CameronDr. Cassandra Workman
Direct primary care practice publishing a one-time longevity assessment with advanced blood testing, DEXA, coronary calcium CT and VO2 max, plus longevity-focused primary care.

Pure Family Medicine

Littleton
Strength, fitness & body compositionMetabolic health & blood sugarBrain & cognition

Pure Family Medicine is a direct primary care practice in Littleton whose Pure Longevity program offers two plans. The Assessment plan bundles an advanced blood test panel, DEXA, InBody, CT coronary calcium scan, VO2 max, force plate and cognitive testing, with a results appointment and a personalized report. The Care plan adds ongoing concierge primary care with a longevity focus.

Tests & services

Comprehensive biomarker panel Continuous glucose monitoring Coronary calcium score DEXA scan +7 more
See if it’s a fit →

How a testing appointment usually goes

  1. A risk talk first

    Family history, past results, smoking, and any known gene findings. This decides which tests are worth doing.

  2. The testing

    Whatever you agreed on: a blood draw, a scan, or a screen you are due. Ask what is included and what costs extra.

  3. Results, explained

    What was looked for, what was not, and how sure the answer is. Ask who reads yours.

  4. What comes next

    A date to repeat, or a clear next step. Ask who arranges it and whether your doctor gets a copy.

Good to know. None of these replace the screening you're due by age. A clear blood test doesn't mean you can skip a mammogram or a colonoscopy.

A new lump, unexplained bleeding or weight loss needs a doctor visit soon. That's a job for your doctor, not a screening test.

Common questions

Which clinics in Denver-Boulder publish cancer-detection testing?

3 in our Denver-Boulder guide: Colorado Center for Medical Excellence, National Jewish Health Executive Health and Pure Family Medicine.

Do I still need regular screening after a multi-cancer blood test?

Yes. These tests add to the screening recommended for your age, they don't replace it. A result with no signal doesn't mean you can skip a mammogram or colonoscopy you're due.

What happens if the blood test finds a signal?

It means more testing, not a diagnosis. Usually that's imaging, a specialist, and sometimes a biopsy, and it can take more than one round. Ask before you book who reviews a positive result and who arranges what comes next.

Is a gene panel the same as a multi-cancer blood test?

No. The blood test looks for cancer that may be there now. A gene panel reads genes you were born with and tells you if your risk is higher, which can change when your screening starts.

Which of these does my own doctor already do?

Often more than people expect. Mammograms, stool tests and skin checks are routine in primary care, so check what's already booked before buying a package. Our cancer screening guide shows how it all fits together.

What does this cost, and will insurance cover it?

Standard screens are usually covered by insurance. A multi-cancer blood test is usually self-pay. Our guides on cost and insurance go deeper.

How do you decide which clinics appear on this page?

A clinic appears here when its own published material shows it offers cancer-detection testing at that location.

Sources (7)
  1. National Cancer Institute, Questions and answers about multi-cancer detection tests
  2. U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, A and B recommendations
  3. U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, Breast Cancer: Screening
  4. U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, Colorectal Cancer: Screening
  5. U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, Skin Cancer: Screening
  6. National Cancer Institute, Genetic Testing for Inherited Cancer Risk
  7. National Cancer Institute, Cancer Screening Overview (PDQ) for patients

This page is educational information, not medical advice, and it is not a recommendation to have or to skip any test. Which of these is useful for you depends on your age, your family history and your personal risk, so discuss it with a clinician who knows your history. If you have a symptom that concerns you, seek a medical evaluation rather than a screening test.