New Blood Test Now Available in Rhode Island as Option to Screen for Colon Cancer

James Van Der Beek Partners with Guardant Health to Increase Awareness of Life-Saving Colon Cancer Screening During Cancer Screen Week

The first week of December marks National Cancer Screen Week, a time dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of cancer screenings and early detection.

From data acquired in 2022, nearly one-third of adults in Rhode Island aged 45-75 are behind on their colorectal cancer screening. Despite screening efforts, more than half of colorectal cancer cases in recent years were diagnosed at regional or distant stages (i.e. after the cancer had spread). Among those under 50, ~70 % were regional/distant at diagnosis; among those 50+, ~57 % were. Early detection for colorectal cancer screening is critical because, when detected early, colorectal cancer five-year survival rates are as high as 91 percent. But when allowed to progress, untreated, those rates drop quickly. In some cases, as low as 16 percent.

To help address this, Guardant Health, a leading precision oncology company, is rolling out its Shield™ blood-based screening test to communities across the country, including right here in Rhode Island, as a more accessible, less invasive option for primary CRC screening. The innovative screening tool offers patients a simple blood draw as an alternative to traditional colonoscopies and stool-based tests.

In support of Guardant’s efforts, actor, producer, director, writer, and health advocate James Van Der Beek is speaking out to share his CRC diagnosis story and encouraging other men to take their health seriously, after announcing a partnership earlier this year.

His message is simple: early detection saves lives, and for many, the Shield™ test makes that easier than ever.

“I was 46 years old, in great physical shape, and had no idea I was living with stage 3 colorectal cancer. It’s the second most deadly cancer, but the most curable when caught in its early stages, making screening crucial,” said Van Der Beek. “I was relieved to learn about Guardant’s Shield blood test because it’s a more pleasant and convenient way to get screened, especially for those who’ve been hesitating. I’ve learned a lot on my cancer journey, but I wouldn’t wish this on anyone. Simply put, getting screened can save your life. If you’re 45 or older, make sure you talk to your doctor about screening guidelines and your options.”

Approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) last year, Shield is the first blood test authorized for primary CRC screening. It is intended for adults aged 45 and older at average risk and is now included in the National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines. The blood-based colorectal cancer screening test is also covered by Medicare and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Community Care Network.

For individuals in Rhode Island, the Shield blood test can be obtained through a doctor’s or other licensed healthcare provider’s prescription.

For more information about the Shield blood test, visit www.ShieldCancerScreen.com.

About Guardant Health

Guardant Health is a leading precision oncology company focused on guarding wellness and giving every person more time free from cancer. Founded in 2012, Guardant is transforming patient care and accelerating new cancer therapies by providing critical insights into what drives disease through its advanced blood and tissue tests, real-world data and AI analytics. Guardant tests help improve outcomes across all stages of care, including screening to find cancer early, monitoring for recurrence in early-stage cancer, and treatment selection for patients with advanced cancer. For more information, visit guardanthealth.com and follow the company on LinkedIn, X (Twitter) and Facebook.