Revolutionizing Colorectal Cancer Screening: The Emergence of a More Effective and Non-Invasive Blood Test

In Israel, colorectal cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer among both men and women. Each year, approximately 3,000 people receive a diagnosis of colon cancer, with about 1,300 succumbing to the disease. Traditional colonoscopies are recommended for everyone over the age of 50 in Israel, while in the United States they are recommended from the age of 45.

Colonoscopies require a three-day preparation period using laxatives and anesthesia on the day of the test. The procedure involves inserting an optical fiber through the anus into the intestines, equipped with a camera and surgical instrument to detect and remove precancerous polyps before they develop into malignant tumors. However, many people are reluctant to undergo this invasive test and preparation process.

Recent studies have shown that traditional colonoscopies only reduce the risk of developing colon cancer by 31%, likely due to a low response rate. A new blood test called “Shield,” developed at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center in Seattle, has shown to be 83% effective in detecting patients with colon cancer, representing a significant advancement. This new testing method has been published in the esteemed “New England Journal” this week and highlights its potential to revolutionize colon cancer screening.

If approved, this new blood test could change recommendations for testing every three years starting at age 45 in the United States. Despite its high accuracy rate, a positive result from the “Shield” test is not a definitive diagnosis and requires a follow-up colonoscopy for confirmation of tumor location and treatment planning.