A stock image of blood analysis.Photo:Getty
Getty
A blood test that will screen for colorectal cancer could be approved this year, according to anew study.
Earlier this week, the findings, which were published in theNew England Journal of Medicine, found that a blood test called Shield from Guardant Health was highly effective in finding colorectal cancers. It would not replace a colonoscopy, however.
The study involved 7,861 people from the United States, who had both a colonoscopy — a medical procedure that uses a camera to look for issues in the large intestine and rectum — and a blood test.
Guardant Health’s Shield test.Guardant Health
Guardant Health
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Those with colon cancer symptoms and risk factors — including a family history of the disease — would still need a colonoscopy, per the outlet.
A stock image of a doctor.Getty
Colorectal cancer, which typically affects older adults, “begins as small clumps of cells called polyps that form inside the colon,” according to theMayo Clinic.
While polyps generally aren’t cancerous, they can eventually turn into cancer over time, the organization adds. They usually don’t show symptoms, which is why regular screening tests to find and remove polyps helps to prevent illness.
PerCancer.org, colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in the U.S. and the third worldwide.
Colorectal cancer screening is recommended starting at age 45, theAmerican Cancer Societysays. However, fewer than 60% of people who are eligible are up to date on their exams.
source: people.com
