A new blood test for colorectal cancer shows promising results in a recent study published in the New England Journal of Medicine. The test, developed by Guardant Health, accurately detected the disease in 83% of individuals confirmed to have it.
The Shield blood test, as it is called, provides an alternative to current screening methods such as colonoscopy and stool testing. This new test is seen as a step forward in expanding options for screening colorectal cancer, a common and preventable disease.
The study involved nearly 8,000 individuals aged 45 to 84 and compared the accuracy of the Shield blood test to colonoscopy, the current gold standard for colorectal cancer screening. While the test has not yet been approved by the FDA, it is available for purchase in the U.S. for $895, but is not covered by most insurers.
With colorectal cancer on the rise in the U.S. and more Americans being diagnosed at younger ages, the need for effective screening options is more important than ever. Only about 50% to 60% of eligible individuals undergo screening tests, but providing multiple options may help increase screening rates.
Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer diagnosed in both men and women in the United States, with an anticipated 106,590 new cases of colon cancer in 2024. The availability of the Shield blood test offers hope for early detection and potentially saving lives.
