MONTGOMERY, Ala. – A new, less invasive blood test is now available for colorectal cancer screening, offering a simpler option to customary methods. The FDA-approved test, called Shield, detects tumor DNA in the bloodstream and provides results in approximately two weeks.November is National Family Health History Month, a timely reminder of the importance of preventative screenings like this one. Dr. Sam Asgarian with Guardant, the company behind Shield, emphasizes the importance of early detection.”ItS basically a blood test. And it’s the first FDA approved blood test that’s in line with first line options for colorectal cancer screening,” he explained.For years, the invasiveness of traditional colon cancer screenings has deterred some individuals. “We do not need to stick anything where the sun doesn’t shine,” Asgarian stated, highlighting a key benefit of the new test.
Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths,but early detection dramatically improves outcomes. “When it’s caught early, it has a 91% chance of survival,” Asgarian noted.
Shield is currently available in Alabama,with hundreds of doctors offering the test. Screening is recommended for individuals starting at age 45, even in the absence of symptoms. The frequency of testing varies depending on the method used: colonoscopies are recommended every 7 to 10 years if negative, while blood or stool-based tests are typically administered every three years, and sometimes annually.
Currently, medicare and the VA cover the cost of the Shield test.Individuals with other insurance plans are advised to contact their provider to verify coverage.
