A blood test for colon cancer performed well in a study, expanding options for screening

[Yo_Mama_Been_Loggin]

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.

https://apnews.com/article/colon-cancer-blood-test-colonoscopy-screening-a8e7b4023468aeac6ce1d21ea4a85f4f

[onlyadream]

1. This is good news

I refuse to get a colonoscopy because I saw my husband go through hell with the prep (violent vomiting). They did the procedure, but couldn't go all the way so he had to redo it all. Also, he never felt the same afterward. I also am nervous about being put under (never had this done and I have low blood pressure).
Hope this is a thing!

[Yo_Mama_Been_Loggin]

3. I never had that complication with the prep.

It was just the inconvenience of using the toilet a lot the night before.

They found polyps both times so I have to do this every 5 years our so.

[Big Blue Marble]

4. It is good news. The prep is horrible.

I know of one person who died from the prep throwing his electrolytes out of balance.

Also, there is more and more emphasis on establishing a healthy microbiome in the
gut. The prep destroys your microbiome with no guidance as to how to rebuild it.

[GoneOffShore]

2. $895? Really? Mrs GoS and I both received the test kits for free.

AMELI sent them to us.

[JohnSJ]

5. It won't eliminate colonoscopies, and like most diagnostics I doubt a negative result means all is well.