New Blood Test added to Colorectal Cancer Screening Guidelines

by RINewsToday News Team

A blood test is now part of the American Cancer Society’s updated colorectal cancer screening guidelines — a change that could give millions of Americans another way to get screened for one of the nation’s deadliest, but often preventable, cancers.

Guardant Health announced that its FDA-approved Shield blood test has been included in the updated American Cancer Society colorectal cancer screening guidelines. The test is intended for adults at average risk, age 45 and older, and is designed for people who decline or have not completed other recommended screening methods, such as colonoscopy or stool-based tests.

The American Cancer Society’s newly updated guidance emphasizes expanded screening options, including blood-based and at-home stool testing, in an effort to increase participation and reduce deaths from colorectal cancer. The ACS continues to recommend that average-risk adults begin regular colorectal cancer screening at age 45.

Colorectal cancer remains the second-leading cause of cancer death in the United States when men and women are combined, according to national colorectal cancer screening data. Screening is considered especially important because colorectal cancer can often be prevented or found earlier, when treatment is more likely to be successful.

The Shield test is completed through a blood draw during a medical visit. It detects certain cancer-associated changes in cell-free DNA in the bloodstream. According to Guardant Health, Shield is the first FDA-approved blood test for primary colorectal cancer screening in average-risk adults age 45 and older, and it is now included in both American Cancer Society and National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines.

The new option is not meant to eliminate other screening methods. Colonoscopy remains the most comprehensive screening tool because it can detect and remove precancerous polyps during the same procedure. The American Cancer Society notes that blood-based screening tests are not preferred screening options, but may help reach people who otherwise would not be screened.

A positive Shield result should be followed by a colonoscopy evaluation, according to Guardant Health’s product information. The company also states that the test is not intended for people at high risk for colorectal cancer, who should discuss appropriate screening with their medical provider.

The change comes as colorectal cancer rates have become an increasing concern among younger adults. The ACS previously lowered the recommended screening age from 50 to 45, reflecting the rise in cases among younger people.

Public-health advocates say the value of the new blood test may be in reaching people who have postponed or avoided screening altogether. The company cites more than 50 million eligible Americans who are not up to date with colorectal cancer screening.

For patients, the message remains simple: talk with a healthcare provider about which colorectal cancer screening option is appropriate — and complete one of them.

The best screening test is still the one a person actually completes.