FDA Approves Blood Test For Colorectal Cancer Screening

The New York Times (7/29, Kolata) reports that on Monday, the FDA “approved a new screening test for colorectal cancer” that “requires only a sample of blood and can find cancers when they are early stage and usually curable.” In a study published in The New England Journal of Medicine, Guardant Health, who made the test, “reported that its Shield test found 87 percent of cancers that were at an early and curable stage.” However, the test “only found 13 percent of large polyps as compared to 95 percent with a colonoscopy.” Reuters (7/29, Leo, S K, Roy) reports the Shield test “is approved for adults aged 45 and older who are at average risk for colorectal cancer.” NBC News (7/29, Edwards) reports the test “works by detecting the DNA that cancerous tumors release into the bloodstream.” It “would need to be given at least every three years, starting at age 45 – the same age it’s recommended to begin colorectal screening.” The AP (7/29, Perrone), The Hill (7/29, Weixel), and CNN (7/29, Howard) also report.