Ladies and gentlemen, fellow patriots, and guardians of our great nation’s health, brace yourselves for a medical breakthrough that’s about to shake up the world of cancer screening! The FDA has just given the green light to a new blood test for colon cancer, and it’s causing quite a stir. Now, before you start rolling your eyes at yet another medical advancement, let’s dive into why this matters to you and your loved ones. After all, we conservatives know the value of preserving life and liberty, and what better way to do that than by nipping cancer in the bud?
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Guardant Health’s blood test, called Shield, for colon cancer screening. This innovative test detects DNA released by malignant tumors into the bloodstream, offering a less invasive alternative to traditional colonoscopies. The Shield test is recommended to be administered at least once every three years, starting at age 45.
While the Shield test shows promise in detecting later-stage cancers, it’s important to note its limitations in identifying early-stage polyps. A positive result from the Shield test is not a definitive diagnosis and must be followed up by a colonoscopy to locate tumors and assess progression.
Blood test to detect colon cancer could move a step closer to FDA approval in the US https://t.co/SKQYDONrVT
— Action News on 6abc (@6abc) May 23, 2024
The FDA panel voted in favor of the Shield blood test, citing safety, efficacy, and the potential to improve screening rates. This decision was not made lightly, as the review process addressed concerns about the test’s ability to detect precancerous lesions.
“The advisory committee’s strong support for the approval of Shield underscores the crucial role that a blood test option can have in increasing colorectal cancer screening rates and potentially reducing preventable deaths.”
One of the primary advantages of the Shield test is its accessibility. It can be performed with minimal preparation and as part of a routine doctor’s visit, potentially increasing colon cancer screening rates by providing a more convenient alternative to colonoscopies.
While the Shield test offers promise, it’s crucial to acknowledge its limitations. The test missed about 87% of advanced precancerous lesions, highlighting a significant shortcoming in detecting early-stage cancers.
“One of the primary concerns here is whether Shield is a particularly good screening test for colon cancer.”
Despite this limitation, the approval of Shield may increase patient access due to anticipated insurance coverage. This development could lead to more people getting screened, potentially reducing the number of preventable deaths from colon cancer.
It’s important to emphasize that colonoscopy remains the most reliable method for detecting colon cancer. However, the introduction of blood-based screening tests like Shield represents a significant step towards improving healthcare accessibility and equity.
As we move forward, it’s crucial to balance the benefits of increased screening rates with the need for accurate early detection. The Shield blood test offers a promising new tool in the fight against colon cancer, but it should be viewed as a complement to, rather than a replacement for, existing screening methods.
Wrote about the colon cancer blood test the FDA is thinking about approving🩸
“If this offers an option to a person who would not otherwise get screened, it’s a good thing. The best test is the test that gets done.”https://t.co/Yyrw6Zpd8I
— Katie Camero (@camerokt_) May 31, 2024
