miRoncol Health Launches miCheckup - A miRNA Based Multi-Cancer Screening Service

Whole-body MRI follow-up for a positive signal

OTTAWA, ON, Oct. 1, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- miRoncol Health today launched miCheckup, Canada's first commercially available miRNA-based blood test for multi-cancer screening. Designed to look for signals linked to early-stage cancer, the service is for eligible adults in Ontario who feel well and have no cancer symptoms. The CAD $1,299 price includes an eligible MRI follow-up if a signal is detected.

The miCheckup blood test profiles miRNA, small molecules that help control how genes work. Subsequently the proprietary AI trained algorithm looks for patterns linked to cancer. The discovery of miRNA, also known as microRNA, and its role in gene regulation earned Victor Ambros and Gary Ruvkun the 2024 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine.

According to the Canadian Cancer Society, about two in five Canadians are expected to develop cancer during their lifetime. An estimated 254,100 new cases are expected in Canada in 2026, excluding non-melanoma skin cancers.

Ontario offers screening for breast, cervical, colorectal and lung cancers, with eligibility rules for each. miCheckup provides an additional option that people pay for themselves, alongside recommended screening and medical care.

"We believe people should have more choice in how they approach cancer screening," said Victoria Xu, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of miRoncol Health. "More excitingly, miCheckup will be able to go beyond cancer screening. miRNA profiling has all the information required for major chronic disease screening. It provides a very important longitudinal signal for personalized preventive health to help us live longer and healthier."

Customers purchase the service online and request testing through a dedicated private virtual clinic. A qualified healthcare practitioner reviews the request and, if appropriate, issues a test requisition. Blood is collected at LifeLabs and processed at an accredited Canadian laboratory. The clinical team reviews results and guides next steps.

For a suspected cancer signal, the program covers a private whole-body MRI. The scan must be suitable for the person and available at a participating facility. Results and any follow-up imaging provide information to discuss with a family physician when considering further investigation.

The miCheckup test is based on recent studies done on cancer and healthy control samples from Ontario Institute for Cancer Research. These studies used existing blood-sample data to explore miRNA patterns linked to lung, prostate and colon cancer. Validation using blood samples from Canadians is helping guide the continued development of its cancer-screening approach.

"A cancer signal calls for a closer look. It is not a cancer diagnosis," said Christopher M. Gallagher, MD, Co-Founder and Chief Medical Officer of miRoncol Health. "We explain the result and guide next steps. People without a cancer signal should continue their recommended screening and care."

Visit miCheckup.com to check eligibility, review service terms and test limits, or purchase the service.

About miRoncol Health

miRoncol Health is decoding miRNA leveraging AI for use in preventive health. Its miRNA-based multiple chronic disease screening test explores non-invasive, convenient, accurate and affordable ways to provide an extra layer of preventive and proactive healthcare. Its vision is to help people live longer and healthier lives. miCheckup and its dedicated private virtual clinic focus on bringing such services to customers starting with cancer screening. Wider research spans heart, brain, and metabolic health. The goal is to turn miRNA science into useful health insights before symptoms appear. Learn more at miRoncol.com.

Media contact: Stephen Lau, VP of Marketing; [email protected]; +1 613-663-2367, #3.

SOURCE miRoncol Health