Cancer Screening for Veterans - at no cost
Why join the SENTINEL STUDY?
We're supported by the Department of Defense and led by expert researchers at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.
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Early detection can lead to better outcomes.
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Eligible veterans are encouraged to apply.
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Our Mission: To Improve cancer screening for veterans like you!
About
THE SENTINEL STUDY
For U.S. Military Veterans
Veterans may face higher cancer risks due to service-related exposures. This study is testing a new way to detect cancer earlier, when treatment may be more effective.
With one blood draw, we’ll screen for 50+ types of cancer using the Galleri® test.
• We’re enrolling 1,500 eligible veterans.
• If a positive cancer signal is detected, free further diagnostic testing is provided at Dana-Farber.
OUR MISSION - Help improve early cancer detection options for veterans.
Your participation helps us study how to find cancer earlier and improve resources for those most at risk.
Who can join and get screened at no cost?
Who is Eligible?
You may be eligible if you meet all of the following criteria:
___ MILITARY SERVICE: 4 or more years of active duty or National Guard/Reserves
___ AGE RANGE: Age 45 or older
___ VA PATIENT: I’ve had at least one healthcare visit at a VA facility within the past 5 years.
___ CANCER-FREE STATUS:
• I have not been diagnosed with invasive cancer in the past 3 years (non-melanoma skin cancer is OK)
• I am not currently being evaluated for cancer or receiving treatment (except hormone therapy)
___ CANCER SCREENING STATUS: I have not had an MCED test in the last 12 months. (MCED = Multi-Cancer Early Detection Test such as Galleri® test, OneTest, or CancerGuard®)
___ TRAVEL: I am willing to travel to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston, MA, for follow-up testing if needed. (All travel costs will be coordinated and covered by the study. Please reach out to the study team for assistance with travel logistics.)
Thank you for your interest in this mission. We encourage all interested veterans to fill out the eligibility screener so that if qualification criteria changes, we can notify you of your eligibility.
After completing the screener, our team will follow up to review and confirm your eligibility status.
Please share this study with any veterans who may qualify for a screening.
How do I join and what's the process?
1. Read & Sign
Consent Form
Time involved: ___
Receive official invitation from DFCI.
2. Provide Sample
We'll schedule and complete the blood test at your home or at a lab near you. We work with labs and home health services across the US to keep this step simple and convenient for our participants.
3. Receive Initial Result
If your blood test is NEGATIVE for cancer, we'll follow up with an email and a call to explain results. After that, we'll send another questionnaire. (Expected time; 10 - 15 minutes)
If your blood test indicates a POSITIVE cancer signal, our team will follow up with a call to answer questions and schedule next steps. We will work with you for further testing at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute at no additional cost to you. Please consider your willingness to travel if tests are positive.
4. Wrap up in person or by questionnaire
If your results are negative, final follow-up is minimal at the 12-month mark to identify and document any new cancers detected since the Galleri® test.
If your results are positive, we'll schedule your follow-up
at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and work with you to secure travel plans for anyone outside the Boston, MA area. The study is complete after a year, but follow-up steps are individualized to the participant and the health care provider.
