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
Ben Whishaw lights up the Croisette as he joins his co
Ben Whishaw was all smiles at the world premiere of Limonov: The Ballad at the 77th annual Cannes Fi2024-05-21The Kentucky Derby in the words of the winners, from Smith to Espinoza
The Kentucky Derby is celebrating its 150th running this Saturday. Some of racing’s greatest horses,2024-05-21Kremlin says Middle East tensions benefit no one
An escalation of the conflict in the Middle East is not in the interests of Israel, Iran or the enti2024-05-21Scottish government survives vote of no confidence
The Scottish government on Wednesday survived a vote of no confidence, just days after First Ministe2024-05-21- The 'real-life Martha' from Baby Reindeer bombarded Sir Keir Starmer with almost 300 emails, it has2024-05-21
US Fed keeps interest rates unchanged at 5.25
The U.S. Federal Reserve on Wednesday left interest rates unchanged at a 22-year high of 5.25 percen2024-05-21
atest comment