Texas physicians are detecting colon cancer sooner thanks to a new blood test that has been approved by the FDA.
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Doctors in Dallas and other parts of Texas are beginning to use a new blood test that can detect colon cancer earlier.
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The Shield test offers results in about two weeks.
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Those who detect colon cancer in its earliest stages have a much higher chance of survival.
-
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Doctors in Dallas and other parts of Texas are beginning to use a new blood test that can detect colon cancer earlier.
-
The Shield test offers results in about two weeks.
-
Those who detect colon cancer in its earliest stages have a much higher chance of survival.
DallasTexas physicians are detecting colon cancer sooner thanks to a new blood test that has been approved by the FDA.
Colon Cancer Blood Test
What’s fresh:
The Federal Drug Administration approved the biotech company Guardant’s Shield blood test in 2024.
According to the American Cancer Society, colon cancer ranks among the top three cancers that affect both men and women. The test is intended to identify this type of cancer.
Reasons to be concerned:
“Being screened and identifying this early on is crucial for treatment. Therefore, we also want to offer a more straightforward approach,” stated Sam Asgarian, vice president for clinical development at Guardant.
The odds of survival are significantly higher for those who can identify the malignancy before symptoms manifest.
“The survival rate for stage 1 colorectal cancer is 91%. Its initial stage is that. If it is discovered at that point, the cancer will be treated, and ideally a high quality of life will follow,” Asgarian stated. “Those percentages fall all the way down to roughly 14 to 16% for stage 4 cancer. Therefore, if the cancer begins to show symptoms, it is very different from if the test finds it early.
Highlighted
Colon cancer screenings should start at age 45, not 50, US health panel says
A group of medical professionals recommends that Americans begin screening for colon cancer at age 45, five years earlier than was previously advised.
Local viewpoint:
Physicians in Dallas and throughout Texas are starting to recommend the Shield test this year.
Results are obtained in roughly two weeks.
According to Asgarian, the false-negative rate is minimal and comparable to that of other comparable cancer detection tests.
The good news is that if the test is positive, a colonoscopy is triggered. As a result, you can sort of use that test after this one to treat the cancer in addition to finding and confirming it,” he said.
Additionally, Medicare has approved the test for reimbursement.
According to Guardant, individuals in Texas have been getting the tests with little or no copay.
Colon Cancer in America
Based on the figures:
Each year, more than 150,000 new instances of colon cancer are discovered.
Additionally, medical officials have observed an increase in the number of diagnoses for those under 50 within the last ten years.
Colon cancer is more common in men in general, but it is even more common in Black men.
“Black people are 20% more likely to be in that population. The incidence of colorectal cancer has increased by 20%. Sadly, to make matters worse, the death rate has increased by 40%,” Asgarian stated.
Consuming sugar and red meat may be linked to colon cancer at an earlier age, according to Cleveland Clinic research.
Thus, they’re telling folks to cut back on their intake.
The Source: Sam Asgarian, VP of Clinical Development for Screening at Guardant, was interviewed via Zoom for the material in this story.
