A blood test that detects colon cancer could be approved this year, according to a new study.
Earlier this week, the findings, which were published in New England Journal of Medicine, found that a blood test called Shield from Guardant Health was very effective in detecting colorectal cancer. However, it would not replace a colonoscopy.
The study included 7,861 people from the United States who had both a colonoscopy — a medical procedure that uses a camera to look for problems in the colon and rectum — and a blood test.
The blood test, the study says, caught 83% of cancers detected by colonoscopy, but missed 17%. Meanwhile, for 10% of individuals whose colonoscopy results found nothing, a blood test falsely determined that they might have colon cancer.
Guardant Health’s Shield test.
Guardian of health
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Currently, the Shield blood test is already being sold in the US for $895, the Associated Press reported, although most insurance companies do not cover it.
It also has not been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), although Guardant Health anticipates a decision will be made later this year, the outlet said.
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If the FDA approves the blood test, it will be performed every three years, starting at age 45, writes NBC News.
Those with colon cancer symptoms and risk factors — including a family history of the disease — will still need a colonoscopy, according to the outlet.
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A picture of a doctor.
Getty
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Colon cancer, which usually affects older adults, “begins as small clumps of cells called polyps that form inside the colon,” according to the Mayo Clinic.
Although polyps are generally not cancerous, they can turn into cancer over time, the organization adds. They usually show no symptoms, which is why regular screening tests to find and remove polyps help prevent the disease.
According to Cancer.org, colon cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in the US and third in the world.
Colon cancer screening is recommended starting at age 45, says the American Cancer Society. However, less than 60% of eligible people are up to date with their exams.
Categories: Trends
Source: HIS Education