Colorectal cancer is among the most prevalent types of cancer globally. The risk of this cancer increases with age, affecting individuals over 50 years old. Timely diagnosis, appropriate treatment, and regular follow-up care are crucial for improving survival rates and quality of life. A simple blood test, capable of detecting this cancer type at its earliest stage, has emerged. A study published by The New England Journal of Medicine revealed that the blood-based screening method showed an 83% detection rate among individuals diagnosed with colorectal cancer. If approved by the FDA, this blood test would become another tool for early cancer detection. It is developed by Guardant Health and can be done from a blood draw. The company claims its test identifies tumour DNA signals circulating in the bloodstream.
The US Preventive Services Task Force advises individuals to start regular screening at age 45 to assess their susceptibility to colon cancer. The American Cancer Society reports that about 1 in 3 eligible adults do not follow this recommendation.
Currently, effective screening methods for detecting this cancer include stool tests and colonoscopies. The development of a new blood test for detecting bowel cancer may enhance early detection of the disease. This initiative comes after the increasing incidence of bowel cancer, especially among younger individuals.
Bowel cancer targets the large intestine (colon) or rectum and it usually begins as small, benign growths called polyps. They are not cancer and they won’t spread. After a certain period, some types of polyps can develop into cancer. Some of the early symptoms of colon cancer include Persistent diarrhoea, constipation, rectal bleeding, abdominal discomfort, unexplained weight loss, chronic fatigue, and changes in bowel habits.
The risk of bowel cancer can be reduced by opting for a healthy diet, staying physically active, avoiding tobacco and excessive alcohol consumption, and undergoing regular check-ups.
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