Dr. Virginia Loewenstine in a photo.

OneTest Partner Spotlight: Interview with Tristate Preventive Health – Dr. Loewenstine

by Cancer Screening
Dr. Virginia Loewenstine in a photo.

OneTest Partner Spotlight: Interview with TriState Preventive Health - Dr. Loewenstine

A few weeks ago, we sat down with respected physician, Dr. Virginia Loewenstine, to talk about the impact of OneTest on her practice. Tristate Preventive Health Consultants (TPHC) has selected  OneTest as their chosen test for cancer screening with firefighters. By offering OneTest, her company stands committed to improving the health and well-being of firefighters and employees, while staying at the forefront of new testing developments.

In our exclusive interview, we dove into the world of preventive healthcare and the groundbreaking advancements made by OneTest in the field of cancer screening. Driven by her commitment to patient well-being and armed with OneTest’s innovative approach, Dr. Loewenstine shared her insights on the importance of early detection, the benefits of comprehensive screening, and the power of patient education while operating her Occupational Medicine practice, TPHC. Join us as we explore how OneTest is revolutionizing cancer screening, and empowering individuals and organizations to take control of their own health and their patient’s healthcare.

Q: Let’s get started! I wanted to know, how did you originally find out about OneTest?

Dr. Loewenstine:

Our business is preventive health and one of our main clienteles are fire departments. For us, especially me as the CEO and Medical Director, we always like to be at the forefront of preventive health advances including new ways to screen. We follow the literature. We follow what’s happening in fire services. And what I found was fire services as an industry were starting to turn their attention to cancer screening and trying to get cancer as a presumptive diagnosis. 

A few years ago, a study published by NIOSH reported that firefighters were at an increased risk of cancer. They even listed these identified types of cancers. This concerned me so I started to do my research and I began researching the different cancer screening tests and the different ways they worked, etc. I was searching for a test that could be done the easiest way and one that would be the most productive way to screen large masses of people. That’s when I stumbled upon OneTest. After doing additional research on OneTest, I decided to go with you guys.

The reason I went with OneTest is because we already know that tumor antigen markers have been in existence for decades. And we know they are used to monitor diagnosed cancer.

Q: Right, so when you were doing your research, it seems like you bought into the premise of MCEDs being used for mass screening. Why specifically did you choose OneTest over other MCEDs?

Dr. Loewenstine:

As you know, other options exist. As a scientist, I researched these other tests extensively. The reason I went with OneTest is because we already know that tumor antigen markers have been in existence for decades. And we know they are used to monitor diagnosed cancer. PSA is one of these tumor markers that is already used as a screening tool. Firefighters are at increased risk for prostate cancer, and we have been using PSA to screen for this cancer for years. 

So, knowing that I already use one of the tumor markers to screen and saw that OneTest uses tumor antigen markers, I’m like, that made sense to me as far as picking up cancers. Now, I will say that in my research, I did realize that there are pros and cons to this type of test. In particular, there are sensitivities and specificities. But for me, the benefit of the marker outweighed the risks of doing this type of cancer screening.

Q: After you chose one test OneTest, what was the impact of the test? How has it contributed positively to your practice, both by providing care or providing new [screening] options?

Dr. Loewenstine: 

OneTest is a good fit with our organization. So much so that we now offer it to our fire departments. The test itself is easy to do. There’s no patient preparation. Our team already draws blood for other reasons when we do their annual physicals. So, all we do is add another tube of blood. It’s seamless. The results come back very quickly. The reports are very concise and well-written. And as a bonus, there’s a second page that explains how to interpret the tests. This is awesome, because when we print out the test results, we include it so if they happen to take it to their doctor, their doctor knows what he or she is looking at. This information also educates the patient, and we are all about educating our patients so they can have more control over their own lives. So, to answer your question, it’s easy to use, provides well-written reports, has a fast turnaround time, requires no prep, and the results are self-explanatory and useful.

OneTest is a good fit with our organization. So much so that we now offer it to our fire departments. The test itself is easy to do.

Q: Amazing. You were able to use OneTest and the reports provided a to create kind of a roadmap for both your patients and the physicians that you’re working with?

Dr. Loewenstine:

I consider myself a “ghost physician”. In other words, while we’re doing a mandatory evaluation on someone for their work, these employees and firefighters have their own doctors. So, I always work in tangent with them, but silently. If there’s something that needs
to be worked up or something that we find on other blood tests, we always send
them to their regular doctors for follow-up. In other words, we’re not their
treating doctor. We identify areas of concern and send them to the right place
to further take care of them.

Q: That leads me to my next question, what are your goals as a provider, as somebody who runs a practice?

Dr. Loewenstine: 

My mission in life is to prevent as many diseases as I can. And one of the ways to do that is to educate the patient population. A lot of doctors don’t spend the necessary time to do that. So, people go to the Internet for this information and as we both know, what they read, and watch is not always correct or complete. So, I take it upon myself to be their trusted resource, so they know what to do. OneTest fits in with my personal mission and the mission of Tristate Preventive Health Consultants because OneTest is all about prevention. If we can find indications of possible cancer or signs of cancer that may happen, then we can immediately take the appropriate actions and get these individuals to the right medical care for follow-up.

Q: So would you say that not only is OneTest in the arm of prevention but that it also helps you identify the signs of some cancers?

Dr. Loewenstine:

Yes. In addition, OneTest can alert us to an increased risk of cancer, higher than what a normal person’s risk would be. It also helps us educate our patient population about risks and preventive actions they can take.

My mission in life is to prevent as many diseases as I can. And one of the ways to do that is to educate the patient population.

Q: So it’s a way to get them on board [for cancer screening]?

Dr. Loewenstine: 

Yes. It encourages them to take better care of themselves. Our patients know we’re screening for these markers. So, when we meet with them to discuss their test results, we have the opportunity to go over each cancer and educate them on what they need to modify in their lives to prevent those types of cancer. We do this even if all the results are negative.

Q: Right, so it’s in a similar way, maybe in simpler terms, like for something that people are more familiar with, (this test) it would be like if I went to go get a LDL, HDL test, and even though I didn’t have high LDL or low HDL, my doctor would still tell me about the risks of high LDL Cholesterol.

Dr. Loewenstine: 

Correct. We provide a good service, and we consider OneTest to be a good service. Our fire departments have openly welcomed this test and many of our fire departments immediately signed on. Our other fire departments are working on obtaining funding so they too can offer this cancer screening to their departments. I see this as very promising. We’ve even been asked multiple times, “Hey, if the fire department’s not going to pay for me to do this test, could you just do it and I’ll put it on my HSA account and pay for it that way?”. And, we’ve had multiple fire departments ask us to provide a day to include the testing of spouses, adult family members, and those who are related to fire services. This type of screening is very well received with our clients.

Q: So I wanted to ask you on the operation side, on the testing side, how has that service level been matched? And how has the service level of our operation benefited your ability to do the testing itself?

Dr. Loewenstine:

So, it’s just a simple blood test and it’s one extra tube, right? But it has to be packaged correctly. It has to go to a separate lab from our other labs. Everyone at OneTest has been very helpful in making sure we have all the requisitions and that our client fire departments have been registered in advance. They have provided us with on-site, on-call communication in case any of our phlebotomists run into trouble. They walked us through how to ship the test kits including how to pack them up and ship them. We also received help from your IT department when we needed assistance in pulling reports. And most recently, I have a meeting scheduled with your scientific director, so I can be fully educated on OneTest and have all my questions answered. This way I am prepared to address questions our firefighters may ask, as well as their families and others we will be testing in the future. Your organization has been very supportive and responsive.

Having worked in OccMed for over 30 years and owning my company since 2007, I’ve worked directly with hundreds of providers over the years, and I have to say your organization is one of the most reliable and proactive firms I’ve worked with. It is a real pleasure working with every member of your team...

Q: Thank you, we really appreciate that feedback! If there was something better that we could do or something we could add to the test, what would that be? 

Dr. Loewenstine:

Right now, OneTest only has LDT approval based on it’s FDA approved markers, but OneTest does not have full approval yet  so there are a lot of disclaimers. I would strongly urge you to get FDA approval ASAP, which I realize you are already pursuing. And while getting FDA approval can take a long time, I’m confident you’ll get it because each individual tumor marker is already FDA-approved. Other than that, I’m pretty good with what you’re currently offering and the support TPHC is receiving. Again, what I appreciate the most is all the educational materials and conversations that come with working with your organization. Because as a physician, I can do all the testing, and I can provide our firefighters and others we test with results, but I need to be able to educate them too. Education is the backbone of preventive medicine and cancer prevention.

Q: Thank you we really appreciate that feedback! 

Dr. Loewenstine:

I love to be at the forefront of new developments and advances. So, when I find new ways to accomplish our mission of improving the health and well-being of our clients, I’m all in. OneTest is one of those new ways.

Q: That’s awesome. That’s really great to hear, and hearing that you’re very much an early adopter, you’re an open-minded thinker, [we] love that.

So I’m wondering, what do you think is necessary for better treatment outcomes when it comes to cancer screening and early detection testing practices?

Dr. Loewenstine:

Number one is to have screening tests available. As you know, in medicine our commitment is to “first, do no harm”, right? So, when a screening program is offered, you first want to make sure the screening itself is not causing more harm than if no screening was done. For example, to detect lung cancer CT scans are often used. This means radiation. Repeated CT scans used as screening can actually do more harm than good. Because OneTest is just a blood test, this eliminates added harm. Besides, in our case, we’re already drawing blood for other tests, so this is just an add on. 

You see, this is really about mind shifting in the medical community, which in time will result in long-term professional culture change. A shift from potentially harmful uses of screening for cancer to non-harmful screening. Is OneTest perfect? Probably not, but no test is perfect. But it is a much better way to screen for early cancer detection. I would love to see other physicians take a more proactive approach to early cancer detection. This can start with using a better way to screen for early cancer detection involving just a simple blood test.

Thank you to Dr. Loewenstine and the entire TPHC team for supporting OneTest for Cancer screening! Feel free to learn more about Dr. Loewenstine and her growing OccMed business click here: www.TristatePreventiveHealth.com

To learn more about OneTest and how it could transform your cancer screening journey, click here: www.onetestforcancer.com

Doctor Consults patient in office about medical information

Top 10 Misconceptions About Cancer Screening You Need to Know

by Cancer Screening

The Top 10 Misconceptions About Cancer Screening You Need to Know

Get the facts on cancer screening tests. We’ll break down the common misconceptions you’ve heard about MCEDs, traditional methods and more – so you can get the peace of mind that comes with being informed.

Doctor Consults patient in office about medical information

Table of Contents

Introduction

 Cancer Screening can be an uncomfortable subject to talk about  In many cases, either we might know someone or have heard about someone who was diagnosed with cancer and lost their life as a result of the disease. When talking about cancer screening and the misconceptions surrounding the topic, It’s important to remember that even healthy people may avoid talking about cancer screening due to fear or lack of information. The idea of more follow-up appointments, visiting outpatient centers, and a potential diagnosis can cause enough stress and anxiety to make people avoid screening altogether. 

Thanks to advances in science and medicine, a new form of cancer screening tests called, “MCEDs”, or Multiple Cancer Early Detection Tests have been developed to drastically improve the cancer screening process and to promote the early detection of cancer. MCEDs such as OneTest often come in the form of blood tests, that can be added to your routine physical by a doctor. 

In this blog post, we’ll debunk the top 10 misconceptions about cancer screening tests, so that if you choose to get screened, you can be confident that it’s not a scary experience or stressful experience!

Misconception 1. Cancer Screenings Are Uncomfortable.

One of the common fears associated with cancer screening tests is the perception of pain and discomfort. But the truth is, cancer screenings can be over within minutes and cause minimal to no discomfort. 

In the case of most MCEDs like OneTest, testing only involves a single blood draw, and can be taken in a couple of minutes at your doctor’s office or a partnering blood draw location near you.

Misconception 2: Screening Requires a Family History Of Cancer.

While having a family history of cancer can increase your chances of developing the disease, it’s not the only determining factor. Anyone can develop cancer, and early detection is vital for successful treatment. 

Misconception 3: Cancer Screenings are Expensive.

The cost of screenings varies by type of test, with some tests such as LDCT scans and Chest X-rays being covered under most insurance plans under certain age and risk factors. When it comes to MCEDs, there are many options available. 

Some can be quite pricey, but if you’re looking for an affordable option, OneTest is one of the most cost-effective, priced at just $199.  

Although not currently covered under all insurance plans, MCEDs like OneTest are priced affordably within the market to avoid headaches from increased healthcare costs if reimbursement isn’t possible. If you are interested in reimbursement, check your state and local laws for more guidance. 

As some states may allow reimbursement for MCEDs by private insurance in the future, and in Medicare health insurance plans on a federal level as well.

Misconception 4. Early Cancer Detection is not Necessary.

Some people assume that cancer is a death sentence and there is no cure, so why bother getting screened? The truth is, diagnosing cancer in the early stages increases the chances of successful treatment outcomes. While MCEDs do not directly diagnose cancer at its origin, they are designed to help doctors to detect cancer, in conjunction with currently recommended screening methods (LDCT, Mammogram, Chest X-ray, etc.) 

Although no screening test or treatment plan can prevent the worst outcome, the idea “early detection saves lives” is based on early screening, and vigilance to provide the best outcomes, and not avoidance. 

Misconception 5: Genetic Testing is the same as Cancer Screening.

While it may seem logical to assume that at-home genetic testing provides accurate or helpful results, It’s not always the case. In the case of popular at-home genetic tests such as “23 & Me” that look at your lifetime probability of getting cancer, there isn’t much that a physician can do with that information to help a patient. 

Other than recommending a healthier lifestyle, doctors are limited in their ability to help patients correctly deal with the results from these types of testing kits. In many ways, these testing kits should be looked at as informative, science-based entertainment products rather than medical information. 

There are some cancer screening tests that use DNA, however, the results are typically provided via a virtual telemedicine doctor or in-person physician consultation similar to most other screening tests. 

Misconception 6: Cancer Screenings are ONLY for Older Adults.

Although cancer does affect mostly older adults, it doesn’t discriminate based on age. While most cancer screenings are typically recommended using factors like age, and smoking history, it’s important to consult with your doctor to determine the appropriate screening schedule. Other considerations related to your medical history such as occupation and family history may play a role as well. 

For that reason, we recommend you speak with your physician to understand your risk factors even if that means don’t get tested early by conventional screening standards.

Misconception 7: All Cancer Screening tests are Created Equal.

There are different types of cancer screening tests, and each one has specific benefits and limitations. There are many different kinds of cancer screening tests such as CT scans, Chest X-rays, and Mammograms are all screening tests that help doctors diagnose cancer outside of taking blood or stool samples. These tests all come with their own benefits and drawbacks.

These kinds of tests are more prevalent, recommended, and covered under insurance. Additionally, they may require you to visit an outpatient clinic or practice to get them as well, which may be perceived as an additional step to receiving care. Although this may be frustrating, it’s an important step that is worth your time. 

 

MCEDs like OneTest, use simple blood tests to provide results similar to a regular blood panel. The test provides you with a 12 month-look into your likelihood of developing cancer, thanks to its patented testing approach and machine learning algorithm that uses real-world studies data. There is no replacing the current regular screening methods such as low-dose CT scans (LDCT), and mammograms, however, It’s important to discuss with your doctor and find the cancer screening tests appropriate for your specific needs! 

In any case, MCEDs like OneTest should be used in conjunction with regular screening methods, not instead of them. 

Misconception 8: Cancer Screenings Always Detect Cancer.

It’s easy to think that if any test shows a value, positive or negative, the test is 100% correct. Although accurate, a positive or elevated screening result does not out-rule the possibility of a negative, and vice versa. 

Cancer screenings like OneTest can detect abnormal or elevated biomarker values, but these results are not always 100% certain and cannot always help determine if someone will develop cancer in the next 12 months. In some situations, acute infections or inflammation can cause the test to show an elevated risk of cancer, when really there is a separate issue involved. 

 

The only “diagnostic” test capable of diagnosing cancer is called a tissue biopsy. This test involves invasive surgery that has its own risks, so doctors and researchers seek to develop less invasive tests such as mammograms and MCEDs to initially screen patients and then provide a follow up with more accurate testing methods. 

All testing methods, biopsy included, can create false positives and negative results, which is why we should consider the results inside of that mindset, and take into consideration the information related to the accuracy and reliability of any cancer screening test. 

Misconception 9: Cancer screenings aren’t needed if you feel healthy.

Cancer doesn’t always present symptoms, especially in its early stages, which is why cancer screenings are essential for early detection. We usually associate symptoms with getting sick, so people may be confused to hear that they should be screened for cancer. 

In the past, cancer was typically only diagnosed when symptoms arose and was more difficult to treat due to limited knowledge and treatment options. With new advancements and technology, we have been able to not only treat cancer, but also cure cancer cases through chemotherapy, advanced radiation, and gene therapy.

 

When it comes to getting screened, advancements such as MCEDs can be seen as a way to improve cancer awareness and potential diagnosis, in addition to traditional screening methods and diagnostic methods such as tissue biopsies. 

Misconception 10: If you have a clean bill of health, you don’t need to be screened again.

It’s not enough to get screened once and assume you’re in the clear for life. Cancer screenings should be conducted regularly, and the frequency of screening varies by results and an individual’s risk factors. We recommend annual screenings for most individuals who use MCEDs, and believe the full power of cancer screening comes from long-term testing, in addition to taking the first step of getting an individual test. 

Additionally, the results of one MCED such as OneTest may only be valid for a period of time. In the case of OneTest, our tests are only valid for up to 12 months, given there isn’t a false positive or negative test result. After that we recommend patients conduct yearly testing to track their biomarker changes over time, in addition to following up with their doctor to discuss any results. 

Concluding Thoughts

Screening for cancer is essential for improving your doctor’s ability to diagnose early, and when needed. However, there are many misconceptions about cancer screening that can cause people to avoid them. Misconceptions such as cancer screenings being painful or unnecessary can be debunked with accurate information and scientific evidence. 

Consult with your doctor about your risk factors and screening tests appropriate for your needs and consider additional MCED testing as part of your cancer screening process! 

For more information about OneTest cancer screening, please visit our website www.onetestforcancer.com to learn how you can get started with cancer screening today!

 

OneTest™ Steers the Conversation towards Cancer Prevention and Testing in Firefighters at the FDIC Conference

by Cancer Screening
OneTest™, the leading pioneer in early cancer detection, has once again demonstrated its commitment to public health, this time focusing on a largely overlooked demographic: the firefighting community. At the Fire Department Instructor’s Conference (FDIC), OneTest™ captured the attention of thousands, emphasizing the urgency of cancer prevention and testing measures within this high-risk group. Historically, the FDIC Conference has been a significant forum for discussions related to firefighter training, equipment, and safety. OneTest™ seized this opportunity to share its groundbreaking research and technology with a diverse audience, comprised of firefighters, instructors, and various industry experts. Cancer: A Hidden Danger for Firefighters According to a study by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, firefighters face a 9% increase in cancer diagnoses and a 14% increase in cancer-related deaths compared to the general population. The dangers faced by firefighters extend beyond immediate physical hazards, venturing into long-term health risks, with cancer being at the forefront. OneTest™ addressed this pressing issue at the FDIC conference, sharing a wealth of knowledge about different types of cancers, early detection methods, and the importance of regular testing, particularly for those in the firefighting community. Introducing the OneTest™ Solution The key offering from OneTest™ is a revolutionary test that can detect up to 50 different types of cancer, often before symptoms appear. At the conference, OneTest™ highlighted how their testing can significantly benefit firefighters. Their tests use a unique algorithm that examines the methylation patterns of circulating free DNA (cfDNA) in the blood to identify any presence of cancer. The test is non-invasive, and it provides a new avenue for early cancer detection – one that is particularly crucial for a high-risk group such as firefighters. A Call to Action OneTest™ used the FDIC platform to call for more widespread implementation of cancer screenings for firefighters. It emphasized the importance of early detection, noting that early cancer detection increases treatment options and improves survival rates. The company urged fire departments and relevant governing bodies to include regular cancer screenings as part of firefighters’ health and safety protocols. Collaborations and Partnerships Moreover, OneTest™ proposed the idea of strategic partnerships between cancer detection labs, healthcare providers, and fire departments. Such collaborations could potentially facilitate regular cancer screenings for firefighters, contributing to early detection and improved health outcomes. The FDIC conference marked an important milestone for OneTest™ as they continue to champion cancer detection and prevention. Their participation signifies a paradigm shift, as it brings the issue of cancer within the firefighting community into the limelight. OneTest™’s commitment to providing a solution for early cancer detection has the potential to save many lives in the firefighting community. It is a stark reminder that as we strive to protect our firefighters from immediate danger, we should also be safeguarding them against the hidden health hazards that their work entails. As OneTest™ continues its journey, it promises to keep leading the way in early cancer detection, not only for the firefighting community but for everyone’s benefit. The impact of their participation in the FDIC conference will undoubtedly be felt across the sector, hopefully encouraging other stakeholders to take action in the fight against cancer within the firefighting community.