A recent study has brought attention to a promising development in the fight against colon cancer, one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths.
A blood test designed to detect colon cancer has shown promising results, providing a new approach to screening that could complement traditional methods like colonoscopy.
This innovative test, developed by Guardant Health, searches for tiny fragments of DNA in the blood that are released by cancer cells and growths that could turn into cancer.
Although it’s already available in the United States for $895, it’s important to note that it hasn’t received approval from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) yet, and most insurance plans don’t cover it. However, the company is hopeful for an FDA decision within the year.
The recent study revealed that the test successfully identified 83% of colon cancers. However, it was less effective at detecting precancerous growths compared to colonoscopy, which remains the most thorough screening option available.
Colonoscopies are not only capable of finding tumors but can also prevent cancer by removing these growths before they become malignant.
Despite its effectiveness, some people are hesitant to undergo a colonoscopy due to the inconvenience, the need for time off work, and the uncomfortable preparation process, which includes consuming a strong laxative.
For those seeking less invasive options, stool tests offer an alternative, allowing individuals to submit a sample from the comfort of their home for lab analysis.
Experts emphasize the importance of screening, pointing out that the best test is the one that people are willing to complete. Offering various screening methods can increase participation rates, moving closer to the goal of having 80% of age-eligible adults screened for colon cancer.
Current recommendations advise healthy adults between the ages of 45 and 75 to undergo screening, with the frequency depending on the type of test chosen.
Guardant Health suggests using their blood test, named Shield, every three years. Like stool tests, an abnormal result from the Shield test would require a follow-up colonoscopy, potentially incurring additional costs for patients.
The study, which involved over 7,800 participants in the U.S. who underwent both a colonoscopy and the blood test, highlighted the test’s ability to catch a significant majority of cancers identified by colonoscopy.
However, it also missed some cases and produced false alarms in 10% of participants, leading to unnecessary worry and potentially unnecessary follow-up procedures.
Further research is needed to refine the test and explore whether it might inadvertently detect other types of cancers, which could lead to misleading results.
Nonetheless, the development of such a blood test is a step forward in making cancer screening more accessible and less invasive, potentially saving lives by increasing the number of people who get screened.
Colorectal cancer remains a major health concern, with over 153,000 new cases and 53,000 deaths expected in the U.S. this year alone. Increased screening rates could significantly reduce these numbers.
In related news, another study highlighted improvements in the performance of the Cologuard stool test, offering hope for fewer false alarms and, consequently, fewer unnecessary follow-up colonoscopies.
This progress in developing various screening options is a positive sign, indicating that more patients will have access to the screening method that best suits their needs, preferences, and medical histories.
If you care about cancer risk, please read studies that exercise may stop cancer in its tracks, and vitamin D can cut cancer death risk.
For more information about cancer, please see recent studies that yogurt and high-fiber diet may cut lung cancer risk, and results showing that new cancer treatment may reawaken the immune system.
The research findings can be found in the New England Journal of Medicine.
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