New Blood Test Joins the Fight Against Colorectal Cancer
For the first time, a blood test has been put on the list of recommended screenings for colorectal cancer by a prominent cancer organization. This does not mean it will replace colonoscopies. Instead, it aims to reach people who may not have been screened otherwise.
It has been reported that approximately one third of Americans are not up to date with their colorectal cancer screenings. The introduction of this new type of test could significantly raise the number of people being screened for colorectal cancer, which is currently a leading cause of cancer death in the country, notably in individuals under the age of 50.
The Shield Blood Test
The blood test, known as Shield, was developed by a health company based in California and was given the green light by the Food and Drug Administration. The test operates by detecting DNA fragments that are let out by cancerous tumors. The cancer organization recommends this test specifically for individuals who are unable or refuse to undergo other, more effective screenings such as colonoscopies or stool tests.
Research has shown that the Shield blood test is 83% effective in identifying colorectal cancers. However, it is best at detecting more advanced diseases and is significantly less effective at identifying early signs of the cancer, when it is most treatable. Precancerous polyps don't release the same DNA fragments. Additionally, there is currently no data available to show whether this test can save lives in the long term.
"While it's not as effective at detecting precancerous areas or stage 1 cancers, it's still better than not being screened at all," said a leading scientific officer.
Insurance and the Shield Blood Test
The recent recommendations for the Shield blood test do not necessarily mean that insurance companies will be required to cover the cost of the test. Insurance coverage typically follows a recommendation from the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, which has not yet commented on the Shield test. The Shield test costs $895 if paid out-of-pocket.
Medical professionals are generally excited about the increase in options for colorectal cancer testing. However, there is also concern that people might become too reliant on the blood test, equating it to the gold-standard colonoscopy.
"This is definitely better than nothing. But there is a worry that we might be losing ground in our fight for colorectal cancer prevention and early detection. This could lower the quality of screening that some patients may have otherwise received because there is such a demand for what's easy and fast," expressed a gastrointestinal medical oncologist.
Colorectal Cancer on the Rise
Colorectal cancers are increasing, particularly in adults under the age of 65. More than 108,000 new cases of colon cancer and nearly 50,000 cases of rectal cancer are expected to be diagnosed in the U.S. this year. Everyone at average risk for colorectal cancer should start screening at age 45, a recommendation that remains consistent with the previous update.
Experts agree that colonoscopy remains the most effective screening tool. The procedure involves inserting a small, flexible camera into the rectum and up into the colon, allowing doctors to detect and remove polyps before they become cancerous.
Colonoscopy is a two-day process that often requires a day off work. The day before the procedure, individuals must switch to a liquid diet and take laxatives to clear out their colons for the camera to obtain a clear view. The procedure itself is painless and performed under anesthesia; because of this, patients need to arrange for someone else to drive them home. Generally, colonoscopies are done every 10 years.
Other Screening Options
Under the new guidelines, the latest stool-based tests are also permitted. These tests can be done at home or at a doctor's office and repeated every one to three years. They involve collecting small stool samples, placing them in provided tubes or containers, and then sending them to labs for analysis. No laxative preparation or dietary changes are required.
The Shield blood test is even less involved but should be performed every three years. However, neither test can completely replace a colonoscopy. If a stool or blood test comes back positive, a colonoscopy is required to determine where the tumors are and to guide treatment.
Despite these considerations, the crucial message is about the importance of being screened. "Getting screened is more important than ever. Having a variety of different options available to people to encourage uptake of screening is really quite important," said the director of a young-onset colorectal cancer center.
For the first time, a blood test has been put on the list of recommended screenings for colorectal cancer by a prominent cancer organization. This does not mean it will replace colonoscopies. Instead, it aims to reach people who may not have been screened otherwise.
It has been reported that approximately one third of Americans are not up to date with their colorectal cancer screenings. The introduction of this new type of test could significantly raise the number of people being screened for colorectal cancer, which is currently a leading cause of cancer death in the country, notably in individuals under the age of 50.
The Shield Blood Test
The blood test, known as Shield, was developed by a health company based in California and was given the green light by the Food and Drug Administration. The test operates by detecting DNA fragments that are let out by cancerous tumors. The cancer organization recommends this test specifically for individuals who are unable or refuse to undergo other, more effective screenings such as colonoscopies or stool tests.
Research has shown that the Shield blood test is 83% effective in identifying colorectal cancers. However, it is best at detecting more advanced diseases and is significantly less effective at identifying early signs of the cancer, when it is most treatable. Precancerous polyps don't release the same DNA fragments. Additionally, there is currently no data available to show whether this test can save lives in the long term.
"While it's not as effective at detecting precancerous areas or stage 1 cancers, it's still better than not being screened at all," said a leading scientific officer.
Insurance and the Shield Blood Test
The recent recommendations for the Shield blood test do not necessarily mean that insurance companies will be required to cover the cost of the test. Insurance coverage typically follows a recommendation from the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, which has not yet commented on the Shield test. The Shield test costs $895 if paid out-of-pocket.
Medical professionals are generally excited about the increase in options for colorectal cancer testing. However, there is also concern that people might become too reliant on the blood test, equating it to the gold-standard colonoscopy.
"This is definitely better than nothing. But there is a worry that we might be losing ground in our fight for colorectal cancer prevention and early detection. This could lower the quality of screening that some patients may have otherwise received because there is such a demand for what's easy and fast," expressed a gastrointestinal medical oncologist.
Colorectal Cancer on the Rise
Colorectal cancers are increasing, particularly in adults under the age of 65. More than 108,000 new cases of colon cancer and nearly 50,000 cases of rectal cancer are expected to be diagnosed in the U.S. this year. Everyone at average risk for colorectal cancer should start screening at age 45, a recommendation that remains consistent with the previous update.
Experts agree that colonoscopy remains the most effective screening tool. The procedure involves inserting a small, flexible camera into the rectum and up into the colon, allowing doctors to detect and remove polyps before they become cancerous.
Colonoscopy is a two-day process that often requires a day off work. The day before the procedure, individuals must switch to a liquid diet and take laxatives to clear out their colons for the camera to obtain a clear view. The procedure itself is painless and performed under anesthesia; because of this, patients need to arrange for someone else to drive them home. Generally, colonoscopies are done every 10 years.
Other Screening Options
Under the new guidelines, the latest stool-based tests are also permitted. These tests can be done at home or at a doctor's office and repeated every one to three years. They involve collecting small stool samples, placing them in provided tubes or containers, and then sending them to labs for analysis. No laxative preparation or dietary changes are required.
The Shield blood test is even less involved but should be performed every three years. However, neither test can completely replace a colonoscopy. If a stool or blood test comes back positive, a colonoscopy is required to determine where the tumors are and to guide treatment.
Despite these considerations, the crucial message is about the importance of being screened. "Getting screened is more important than ever. Having a variety of different options available to people to encourage uptake of screening is really quite important," said the director of a young-onset colorectal cancer center.