Colon cancer blood test offers new screening option
A blood test for colon cancer performed well in a study published Wednesday, offering a new kind of screening for a leading cause of cancer deaths.
The test looks for DNA fragments shed by tumor cells and precancerous growths. It’s already for sale in the U.S. for $895, but has not been approved by the Food and Drug Administration and most insurers do not cover it. The maker of the test, Guardant Health, anticipates an FDA decision this year.
In the study, the test caught 83% of the cancers but very few of the precancerous growths found by colonoscopy, the gold standard for colon cancer screening. Besides spotting tumors, colonoscopies can prevent the disease by removing precancerous growths called polyps.
But some people avoid the exam because of the hassle of getting time off work or the day-ahead preparation that involves drinking a strong laxative to empty the bowels.
Related articles
- Gym-going regulars have accused 'two-weeker' newcomers making use of cut-price trial deals of behavi2024-05-07
Proof you CAN outrun bad genes with just four lifestyle tweaks
People genetically predisposed to a shorter life can live around five years longer if they follow a2024-05-07Brazil soccer player Gabriel Barbosa cleared by CAS to play during appeal in doping rules case
LAUSANNE, Switzerland (AP) — Brazilian soccer player Gabriel Barbosa can resume playing pending an a2024-05-07Brazil soccer player Gabriel Barbosa cleared by CAS to play during appeal in doping rules case
LAUSANNE, Switzerland (AP) — Brazilian soccer player Gabriel Barbosa can resume playing pending an a2024-05-07Double European weightlifting champion Pielieshenko killed in Ukraine war
KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — Two-time European weightlifting champion Oleksandr Pielieshenko died on the fro2024-05-07Nottingham stabbing victim Grace O'Malley
The parents of Nottingham stabbing victim Grace O'Malley-Kumar have backed calls for their daughter2024-05-07
atest comment