#525: Multi-Cancer Early Detection Testing
#525: Multi-Cancer Early Detection Testing  
Podcast: The Curbsiders Internal Medicine Podcast
Published On: Mon May 18 2026
Description: Cut through the hype of Multi-Cancer Early Detection (MCED) tests and learn how to counsel patients on the real-world utility, false-positive risks, and the "stage shift" debate of these emerging blood assays. We are joined by world-renowned oncologist Dr. Margaret Tempero,UCSF Cancer Early Detection and Interception, to discuss whether these tests are truly ready for clinical prime time.Claim CME for this episode at curbsiders.vcuhealth.org!Patreon | Episodes | Subscribe | Spotify | YouTube | Newsletter | Contact | Swag! | CMEShow Segments 00:00 Introduction  01:57 Current Cancer Screening Programs  06:05 Emerging Blood-Based Cancer Tests  11:55 Test Characteristics and Limitations  18:05 Practical Considerations for Patients  25:33 Direct-to-Consumer Testing/Whole Body MRIs 36:46 Navigating Positive Test Results  45:10 Anxiety and Patient Education  47:08 Future Directions in Cancer Screening  Outro Credits Producer, Writer, Show Notes, Infographic, Cover Art: Molly Heublein MD Hosts: Matthew Watto MD, FACP; Paul Williams MD, FACP    Reviewer: Sai S Achi MD,MBA,FACP Showrunners: Matthew Watto MD, FACP; Paul Williams MD, FACP Technical Production: PodPaste Guest: Margaret Tempero, MD DisclosuresDr. Tempero reports the following financial relationships: Grail (research support), Global Bio Access Fund (Advisor), Bristol Myers Squibb (Membership on Advisory Committees or Review Panels, Board Membership, etc.), Astra Zeneca (Membership on Advisory Committees or Review Panels, Board Membership, etc), Immunovia (Membership on Advisory Committees or Review Panels, Board Membership, etc.), Merck (advisory committee), Renovo Rx (advisory committee), Urogen (Advisor). Financial relationships have not ended. The Curbsiders report no relevant financial disclosures. Sponsor: FIGS Curbsiders listeners can get 15% off. Just go to WearFIGS.com and use code FIGSRX.  Sponsor: FreedTry Freed Front Desk free for 7 days at getfreed.ai/front-desk.Sponsor: Quince Go to Quince.com/curb for free shipping on your order  and 365-day returns. Now available in Canada, too.