Colorectal cancers continue to rise across multiple demographics, but many public and private entities are looking for easier ways to help patients get simpler screening. Earlier this year we reported on the FDA’s approval of Guardant Shield’s innovative new blood test. Experts agree that colonoscopies are still the standard screening tool for diagnosing these cancers, but this blood test is a step in the right direction.
The test is formally known as the Shield liquid biopsy and was hailed as a great way to add colorectal screening to routine exams. It can allow doctors to draw blood during regular check-ups, increase screening opportunities, and provide a better picture of which patients should be sent to get more testing.
The Shield liquid biopsy test was found to be 83% effective in detecting cancers and is expected to have an out of pocket cost of $895. An estimated 20% to 30% of Americans aren’t getting screened frequently enough to catch colorectal cancers early.
With FDA approval, insurance companies can now start covering the Shield liquid biopsy for eligible patients. Additionally, a simpler test is the perfect way to encourage more patients to get screened as early as possible.
