In a major update, the American Cancer Society now recommends blood-based screening for colorectal cancer, adding the FDA-approved Shield test to its guidelines for adults 45 and older. The move seeks to boost screening rates by offering alternatives to colonoscopies and stool tests, though blood tests are considered less sensitive for detecting precancerous polyps.
The American Cancer Society has updated its guidelines for colorectal cancer screening to include blood-based tests for the first time. This change aims to increase screening rates, especially among those who avoid invasive procedures like colonoscopies or stool-based tests.
The new guideline recommends the Shield blood test, developed by Guardant Health, along with newer stool tests such as Cologuard Plus and ColoSense, for adults aged 45 and older at average risk. While colonoscopies remain the gold standard because they can detect and remove precancerous polyps, blood tests are less sensitive for early lesions.
However, officials stress that more options mean more people may get screened, leading to earlier detection and better survival rates. The shift comes as colorectal cancer rates rise among younger adults, though the new guideline does not directly address that trend. Experts note that while no test is perfect, expanding choices could help close screening gaps, particularly in vulnerable populations.
Screening is crucial because finding cancer early greatly improves outcomes, and some tests also allow for prevention by removing polyps before they become malignant
Colorectal Cancer Screening Guidelines Blood Test Shield Test Colonoscopy Stool Test American Cancer Society Guardant Health Cancer Prevention Early Detection
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