It's in the Blood: New Colon Cancer Screening Could Save Lives

New Blood Test for Colon Cancer Screening

Colon cancer is one of the most preventable forms of cancer, but also among the most prevalent. It’s one of the reasons why the American Cancer Society now recommends adults start getting screened at age 45.

But while colonoscopies are the preferred type of screening, many patients tend to avoid the procedure because they’re anxious or afraid of the procedure. But help (and peace of mind) could be available for patients, especially younger patients, who have avoided a colonoscopy.

An innovative new blood test, recently approved by the Food & Drug Administration could change the way doctors detect colon cancer.

The Future of Colon Cancer Screenings

Colonoscopies are still the most common type of colon cancer screening, but new technology is making it possible to test for cancer using less invasive methods.

The recently approved blood test is used to detect abnormal DNA in the bloodstream.

It’s worth noting that while the FDA-approved blood test is 83 percent effective in detecting colon cancer, patients who test positive will still need to undergo a colonoscopy to confirm cancer.

“For now, colonoscopies remain the best test for colorectal cancer screening, with blood tests serving as a supplemental option,” said Heather Foshey, a gastroenterology nurse practitioner at Beth Israel Lahey Health.

Still, this new method shows great promise for doctors’ ability to test — and treat — colon cancer effectively.

More Options, Better Results

Blood tests could give more options to patients who are deterred from getting their screenings by the invasive nature of the procedure.

A less intense screening method could encourage more people to get their screenings, potentially helping to detect more early cases of colon cancer and reducing its mortality rate.

“These blood tests are certainly worth it if they reach people who otherwise would not have any access to screening,” said Foshey.

The development of blood tests and other advanced screenings — like imaging procedures — could also pave the way for future innovations, like the use of artificial intelligence to detect cancerous growths.

While technologies like these are still in the very early stages, they could eventually maximize doctors’ ability to detect cancer as comfortably for patients as possible.