Embracing multicancer early detection testing to achieve earlier diagnoses and optimize care: The impact of a nurse practitioner-focused educational activity

ABSTRACT

Early cancer detection is the cornerstone of cancer care, as it allows for clinical intervention at a timepoint when outcomes are optimal. For this reason, there is a clear inverse relationship between cancer stage at diagnosis and 5-year relative survival, irrespective of tumor type. As such, cancer screening modalities are a formidable weapon, and timely detection is paramount. However, the current cancer screening paradigm remains suboptimal, with the majority of incident cancer diagnoses in the United States lacking a USPSTF Level A or B Screening Recommendation or an available screening test. Multicancer early detection (MCED) tests have the potential to revolutionize the paradigm, removing hurdles and bridging critical gaps; but for MCEDs to be effectively implemented into practice, patient-facing clinicians must be equipped with the requisite knowledge, competence, and confidence to embrace innovation and advance care. This educational initiative, an on-demand enduring activity accredited for 0.75 hours and hosted on the AANP CE Center from October 2024 to October 2025, was designed with these foundational goals in mind. A total of 3,442 learners completed the activity, 88% of whom were nurse practitioners (NPs), and significant improvements were observed across all outcomes levels. Consistent with the high degree of patient interface boasted by NPs, this education is expected to benefit more than 42,000 patients per week. In addition to revealing meaningful improvements in knowledge, competence, and confidence, outcomes analysis also identified important residual gaps, which should be addressed by future educational activities on this topic.