A Breakthrough in Colorectal Cancer Detection: Blood Test Shows Promise
A groundbreaking study published in The New England Journal of Medicine has revealed that a new blood test developed by Guardant Health is capable of detecting 83% of people with colorectal cancer. This simple blood draw test works by identifying circulating tumor DNA in the bloodstream, allowing for early detection of the deadly disease.
Dr. Barbara Jung, president of the American Gastroenterological Association, has hailed the blood test as a potential game-changer in the fight against colorectal cancer. She believes that this innovative approach could help improve early detection rates and save more lives.
While the blood test shows great promise, it is important to note that if the test results are positive, a colonoscopy will still be necessary to detect precancerous lesions and prevent the cancer from developing further. Unfortunately, many eligible Americans are not getting screened for colorectal cancer due to the inconvenience and discomfort associated with current screening methods.
Early symptoms of colorectal cancer can include blood in stool, changes in bowel habits, weight loss, bloating, and fatigue. It is crucial to be vigilant and proactive in monitoring these symptoms, especially as the rate of colorectal cancer in young adults is on the rise, with approximately 20,000 people under the age of 50 being diagnosed each year.
Guardant Health has already filed for approval of the blood test with the FDA, and a decision is expected later this year. If approved, this test could revolutionize the early detection of colorectal cancer and potentially save countless lives. Stay tuned for more updates on this groundbreaking development in cancer screening technology.
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