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FDA approves first blood test to detect colorectal cancer
On July 29, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Guardant Health’s Shield™ test, the first colorectal cancer screening test that analyzes a blood sample to identify molecular signs of cancer. The latest research shows that early detection of cancer improves treatment outcomes and survival rates and experts predict that having a non-invasive option will help to screen more patients and catch colorectal cancer at treatable stages. At Private Health Management (PHM), our experts stay up to date on the latest developments in cancer screening and help guide our clients in choosing the screening methods that are right for them.
Colorectal cancer screening is essential
Colorectal cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer deaths in the U.S. and the incidence of colorectal cancer is on the rise in younger patients. Recent data show that colorectal cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in men under 50 and ranks second in women under 50.1 While diet and lifestyle are being linked to this rise, the exact risk factors are unknown. These trends highlight the importance of colorectal cancer screening and have resulted in revised guidelines that have lowered the starting age for screening from 50 to 45 years of age.2–4
The American Cancer Society’s estimates for the number of colorectal cancers in the United States for 2024 are: