‘A long time coming’: Gastroenterologists laud new colorectal cancer screening option

Becker's Healthcare July 30, 2024
Claire Wallace

On July 29, the FDA approved a new screening test for colorectal cancer that requires only a blood sample.

While the test is intended to encourage more patients to get screened, its results are not perfect. The test, created by biotech company Guardant Health, was able to detect 83% of colorectal cancers in studies but only 13% of dangerous polyps, whereas colonoscopies find approximately 95% of these polyps.

Three gastroenterology leaders spoke with Becker’s about the excitement surrounding a new testing option for colorectal cancers:

(Note: These responses were lightly edited for style and clarity.)

Lauren Bleich, MD. Gastroenterologist at Gastro Health (Acton, Mass.): The new FDA approval of the Shield test for colon cancer screening highlights the...

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