New, Effective Tests Might Increase the Numbers of People Screening for Colorectal Cancer
Why Should You Screen?
Colorectal cancer is the second deadliest cancer in the United States. This year, nearly 52,000 people will die of the disease. Cases are increasing each year, especially among young people.
Of the 120 million individuals in the United States between the ages of 45 and 75, about 50 million are not up to date with screening. But, if everyone were to undergo a simple screening test, incidences of colorectal cancer death would likely decrease. Screening tests enable colorectal cancer to be detected in its early stages while it is still highly treatable.
What Are Current Screening Guidelines?
Starting at age 45, everyone should get screened for colorectal cancer, but high-risk individuals should begin even earlier. Several options are available, including a colonoscopy, the preferred screening method. A colonoscopy enables the entire colon to be visualized and is only required every ten years. However, it is invasive, requiring a camera to be inserted through the rectum.
One alternative is a fecal immunochemical test (FIT) each year. FIT tests can be administered at home and screen for blood and abnormal cells in stool samples.
Another alternative is Guardant’s Shield test, which can detect colorectal cancer-driven abnormalities in cell-free DNA obtained from a blood draw.
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Why Might Alternative Testing be Preferred to a Colonoscopy?
In contrast to a colonoscopy, FIT is a relatively non-invasive test that people can administer at home. It requires less preparation and time than a colonoscopy. Results from a study published in the journal Jama Network Open determined that the testing could reduce the risk of colorectal cancer death by 33%.
Similar to FIT, the Shield test is relatively non-invasive and requires no advanced preparation. Findings from a study of 20,000 individuals assessed over a three-year period published in The New England Journal of Medicine suggest that Shield is also effective, with 83% sensitivity. This value is on par with other recommended non-invasive screening methods. The test is not recommended for individuals at high risk of colon cancer.
References
- Neese, Tyler. “QUICK HIT: At-Home Colon Cancer Screening Test Reduces Risk of Colorectal Cancer Death, Rivals Colonoscopy.” Breaking Cancer News, 29 July 2024, https://breakingcancernews.com/2024/07/29/quick-hit-at-home-colon-cancer-screening-test-reduces-risk-of-colorectal-cancer-death-rivals-colonoscopy/. Accessed 30 July 2024.
- Reno, Jamie. “It’s Been A Long Time Coming: Guardant Debuts A Simple, Non-Invasive Test for Colorectal Cancer.” Breaking Cancer News, 1 August 2024, https://breakingcancernews.com/2024/08/01/its-been-a-long-time-coming-guardant-debuts-a-simple-non-invasive-test-for-colorectal-cancer/. Accessed 7 August 2024.
- Weaver, C. H. “Are You Current? - Colon Cancer Screening Guidelines.” Cancer Connect, 2 July 2023, https://news.cancerconnect.com/colon-cancer/are-you-current-colon-cancer-screening-guidelines. Accessed 4 August 2024.
