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August 5, 2024
Colorectal cancer is among the most prevalent cancers diagnosed in adults in the United States. Unfortunately, as many as one-third of adults eligible for colorectal cancer screening tests, like colonoscopies, are not regularly screening. However, getting regular screenings for colorectal cancer has recently become just that much easier.
Guardant Health’s Shield blood test
In March, a study was done that measured the performance of a cell-free DNA blood test for screening of colorectal cancer in adults. Of the 7861 participants, 83.1% of participants with colorectal cancer that was diagnosed previously by a colonoscopy, were also diagnosed by the blood test. Just last week, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved that blood test, Guardant Health’s Shield blood test, for future availability to eligible populations.
Who is going to be eligble?
Currently, the U.S. Preventative Task Force guidelines recommend that adults in the United States begin screening for colorectal cancer as early as age 45 with an average risk. Given that colonoscopies are still considered the gold standard for screening, with about 98% detection accuracy, the blood test would not be recommended for those with higher risks for colorectal cancer due to significant family history or related health issues.
How will the tests be conducted?
Once available for regular use, patients will be referred to a lab to get blood drawn. Health professionals will look for cell-free DNA that is indicative of colorectal cancerous tumor DNA.
How much does this test cost?
Currently, the cost of this blood test is $895 out of pocket. However, with FDA approval, private insurance companies, like Medicare, are likely to cover at least a portion of this cost.
But what exactly is the benefit of this test?
As mentioned, this test is not a replacement for colonoscopies. However, having this test provides healthcare professionals with an additional method of screening. With so many eligible adults not seeking out regular colonoscopies, having this significantly less invasive test available could potentially increase screening adherence rates, prevention rates, and survival rates related to colorectal cancer. With current screening adherence rates of about 70%, healthcare professionals aim to increase rates beyond that 70% mark with this new blood test available.