Blood test added to colorectal cancer screening options by cancer group
The American Cancer Society has added a blood test called Shield to its colorectal cancer screening options. This test aims to increase screening rates among those who may not undergo traditional methods like colonoscopies. While it is not a replacement for colonoscopies, it offers an alternative for individuals who cannot or will not get screened otherwise.
- ▪The Shield blood test detects DNA fragments from cancerous tumors and was approved by the FDA in 2024.
- ▪It is recommended for individuals who cannot or will not undergo more effective screenings like colonoscopies.
- ▪Colorectal cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in people under 50, with over 108,000 new cases of colon cancer expected this year.
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Health newsBlood test added to colorectal cancer screening options by cancer groupThe updated guidelines from the American Cancer Society are meant to increase the number of people screened for colorectal cancer.Listen to this article with a free account00:0000:00The American Cancer Society added Guardant Health's Shield blood test to its list of colorectal cancer screening options.Business WireShareAdd NBC News to GoogleMay 27, 2026, 7:00 AM EDTBy Erika EdwardsFor the first time, a blood test has been added to the list of the American Cancer Society’s recommended screenings for colorectal cancer. It’s not meant to replace colonoscopies, aiming instead at catching people who might not get screened otherwise.
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