A new blood test has shown promise in detecting colorectal cancer, according to a recent study published in the New England Journal of Medicine. The test, developed by Guardant Health, was able to correctly identify colorectal cancer in 83% of individuals at average risk and without symptoms. However, the test did produce false positives in 10% of cases.
Dr. William M. Grady of Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center hailed the results as a positive step towards developing more convenient cancer detection tools. CBS News chief medical correspondent, Dr. Jon LaPook, also mentioned the potential of the blood test as an alternative to current screening methods like colonoscopy and stool testing.
The clinical trial involved nearly 8,000 participants aged 45 to 84 and compared the Shield blood test to colonoscopy. Colorectal cancer is becoming more common in younger populations, with statistics showing it as the most common cancer for men and the second most common for women. The American Cancer Society estimates 106,590 new cases of colon cancer in 2024.
Although the blood test is available in the U.S. for $895, it has not yet been approved by the FDA or covered by most insurers. Despite this, the potential of the blood test as a non-invasive and convenient method for early detection of colorectal cancer is promising. Experts believe that such a test could help increase screening rates and ultimately save lives by detecting cancer in its early stages.
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