Why Saffron & Sage Recommends the Galleri Test for Holistic Cancer Prevention
Author: Dr. Kolin Durrant, Integrative Care Director, Doctor of Acupuncture & Chinese Medicine
At Saffron and Sage, our philosophy of holistic healthcare is rooted in prevention, empowerment, and whole person care. We support our members not only in healing but in taking proactive steps toward lifelong wellness. As part of this mission, we are now offering the Galleri Test, an advanced multi-cancer early detection blood test that can identify over fifty types of cancer through a single blood sample.
This recommendation reflects our commitment to integrative medicine that honors the physical, emotional, and energetic layers of health. The Galleri Test offers an unprecedented opportunity to gain insight into the body’s internal signals long before disease symptoms arise.
The Science Behind the Galleri Test
Galleri Test analyzes cell-free DNA that circulates in the bloodstream. When cells die, including cancer cells, they release DNA fragments into the blood. Cancer-related fragments show distinct methylation patterns that differ from healthy cells.
By analyzing these patterns, the Galleri Test can detect whether a cancer signal is present and often identify its tissue of origin. Unlike traditional screenings that focus on specific organs such as the colon or breast, Galleri can identify over fifty types of cancer in a single draw. This includes aggressive cancers that often go undetected until advanced stages, such as pancreatic, ovarian, and esophageal cancers.
According to clinical validation research by GRAIL, the test has a specificity of 99.5 percent, which means that false positives are extremely rare. It also demonstrates meaningful sensitivity for detecting stage one and stage two cancers across a broad spectrum of types (GRAIL Galleri Test Clinical Validation Study).
The Importance of Early Detection for Longevity
Cancer remains one of the most common causes of death worldwide. In the United States alone, nearly 1.9 million new cancer cases are expected this year, according to the American Cancer Society’s 2025 report (American Cancer Society, 2025 Cancer Facts & Figures). Many of these are discovered only after symptoms arise, which often limits treatment options.
When cancer is caught early, five-year survival rates improve dramatically. For example, early stage diagnosis can increase survival by up to 80 percent depending on the cancer type, as reported by the National Cancer Institute (National Cancer Institute, SEER Cancer Statistics Review).
For members of Saffron and Sage who prioritize prevention, the Galleri Test offers a sense of reassurance and a science-based way to stay informed about internal health before illness develops.
How We Integrate the Galleri Test at Saffron and Sage
The Galleri Test is not offered in isolation. It is integrated into our comprehensive care plans. Members receive the test as part of a larger discussion around whole person wellbeing, and results are reviewed collaboratively with our team of doctors, nurses, and integrative therapists.
If a cancer signal is detected, we coordinate further diagnostics such as imaging or referral to a specialist. If no signal is present, we continue to support your wellness through nutrition, detoxification, movement, and mind-body therapies. Regardless of the outcome, the test becomes a touchpoint for deeper engagement with your health.
A Holistic Approach to Cancer Prevention
Cancer prevention at Saffron and Sage combines advanced diagnostics with natural, evidence-based therapies. The Galleri Test becomes one important part of a broader plan that includes:
Nutrition Therapy
Focused on anti-inflammatory, antioxidant-rich foods that support detoxification and cellular repair.
Mind-Body Medicine
Therapies like meditation and breathwork that reduce chronic stress and strengthen the immune response (National Institutes of Health – Chronic Stress and Cancer Risk).
Somatic and Energy Therapies
Designed to regulate the nervous system and restore emotional balance.
Functional Medicine
Personalized protocols including advanced lab testing, botanicals, and nutritional supplements to optimize resilience at the cellular level.
Who Should Consider the Galleri Test
While any adult may benefit, the Galleri Test is especially recommended for:
Individuals over the age of forty
Those with a personal or family history of cancer
Professionals who wish to take a proactive role in their health
Anyone interested in a more complete picture of their internal environment
The test is noninvasive and complements traditional screenings. For cancers that do not have standard detection tools, such as pancreatic or ovarian, the Galleri Test provides expanded visibility that could be lifesaving.
The Role of Holistic Practitioners in Supporting Screening
One of the defining features of holistic healthcare at Saffron & Sage is its interdisciplinary approach. Holistic health practitioners collaborate closely to interpret data and provide members with actionable steps toward better health outcomes.
When the Galleri Test is incorporated into care, practitioners focus not just on results but on whole-person health. They evaluate factors such as inflammation, hormonal balance, gut health, and emotional wellbeing to create a truly comprehensive picture of each member’s internal environment.
This layered approach helps reduce fear around cancer screening. Instead of viewing the Galleri Test as an alarming or isolated diagnostic, it becomes a therapeutic touchpoint — a way to align medical science with self-awareness and empowerment.
Understanding the Test’s Limitations
While the Galleri Test is a breakthrough tool, it is not a replacement for standard screenings like colonoscopies or mammograms. It enhances your preventive strategy, particularly for cancers that currently lack early detection methods.
It also does not confirm a cancer diagnosis. If a signal is detected, further imaging or biopsy is necessary to confirm the presence of disease. These limitations are openly discussed with each member, so expectations remain grounded and informed.
Supporting Emotional Wellbeing Through Knowledge
Fear of the unknown is one of the greatest barriers to peace of mind. The Galleri Test helps reduce this uncertainty by offering real, actionable data in a compassionate setting. At Saffron and Sage, test results are delivered in a supportive environment where you feel seen, heard, and understood.
For many members, the act of screening becomes an empowering choice, reinforcing the belief that knowledge is the first step toward wellbeing.
Take the Next Step Toward Preventive Wellbeing
Our introduction of the Galleri Test represents a broader shift in how we approach cancer prevention in San Diego. It is time to move from reactive healthcare to proactive self-leadership. The integration of this test into our practice underscores that belief.
If you are ready to take your health into your own hands with a trusted team by your side, we invite you to schedule a consultation.
Contact Saffron & Sage today at 619-933-2340 to schedule your consultation or learn more about how this test can become part of your holistic path to lifelong wellbeing.