A new blood test developed by Guardant and approved by the FDA is transforming colon cancer detection in Texas. The Shield test allows for earlier identification of the disease, significantly increasing survival rates.
A groundbreaking blood test , recently approved by the FDA , is revolutionizing colon cancer detection in Texas , empowering doctors to identify the disease at its earliest stages. The biotech company Guardant received FDA clearance for their blood test , aptly named Shield, in 2024. This innovative test targets colon cancer , a leading malignancy affecting both men and women, according to the American Cancer Society.
Sam Asgarian, Guardant's vice president for clinical development, underscored the paramount importance of early detection, stating, 'It’s really critical to be screened and to catch this early so that you can treat it. And so, our goal similarly is to provide a more simpler solution.' He emphasized that individuals diagnosed with cancer before symptoms manifest enjoy significantly higher survival rates. Asgarian explained that stage 1 colorectal cancer boasts a remarkable 91% survival rate, the earliest detectable stage. 'If you find it at that stage, it’s really treating the cancer and hopefully living a high quality of life after that,' he said. Conversely, stage 4 cancer, where the disease has advanced significantly, sees survival rates plummet to a mere 14 to 16%. 'So it’s a much different cancer if it starts to present with signs and symptoms versus if you detect it with the test early on,' he stressed.This year, physicians in Dallas and across Texas are beginning to integrate Shield into their routine cancer screening protocols. Results from the test are typically available within two weeks. Asgarian asserted that the rate of false negatives is low, comparable to other established cancer detection tests. He highlighted the test's unique ability to guide patients towards a colonoscopy when results are positive, facilitating not only the confirmation of cancer but also its subsequent treatment. Furthermore, Shield has secured Medicare reimbursement approval, ensuring accessibility for a broader patient population. Guardant reports that patients in Texas are receiving the tests with minimal to no out-of-pocket expenses. More than 150,000 cases of colon cancer are diagnosed annually, with a concerning trend of rising diagnoses among individuals under the age of 50 over the past decade. While men generally face a higher risk of developing colon cancer, Black men are disproportionately affected, exhibiting a 20% higher prevalence and a staggering 40% higher mortality rate compared to other demographics. Research from the Cleveland Clinic suggests that high consumption of red meat and sugar might contribute to the development of colon cancer at a younger age, prompting recommendations for moderation.
COLON CANCER DETECTION BLOOD TEST GUARDANT SHIELD FDA TEXAS SURVIVORSHIP RATES SCREENING
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