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
- Contact Us HomeNewsHighlightACWF NewsSocietyWom2024-05-08
View of 5th CIIE venue in Shanghai
The south square of the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai), the main venue for the2024-05-08Wintering migrant birds arrive at Dongting Lake wetland in C China
This photo taken on Dec. 14, 2022 shows white cranes at Hengling Lake Provincial Nature Reserve, a p2024-05-08More foreign buyers to participate in Canton Fair as nation expands opening
A total of 93,000 buyers from 215 countries and regions have completed pre-registration for the spri2024-05-08Chinese, Kyrgyz Presidents Hold Talks, Elevate Bilateral Relationship
Contact Us HomeNewsHighlightACWF NewsSocietyWom2024-05-08Various events introduced for students at museums in Xi'an
People visit the Shaanxi History Museum in Xi'an, northwest China's Shaanxi Province, Aug. 11, 2022.2024-05-08
atest comment