As a journalist, I have rewritten the article to make it unique by shuffling the paragraphs and adding some new information. Here’s the new version:
The Colorectal Cancer Alliance reports that one in three eligible individuals in the U.S. do not get screened for colorectal cancer, despite it being the second deadliest cancer in the country. This lack of screening is due to several factors, including discomfort with traditional methods such as colonoscopies, long wait times for appointments and lack of awareness about available options. However, a less invasive option may soon be available for those who dread the thought of a colonoscopy.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) advisory committee is meeting to review a new blood test by Guardant Health, which checks for colorectal cancers. Trading of the company’s stock on the Nasdaq has been temporarily paused as the committee reviews the company’s premarket approval application for its Shield test. If approved by the FDA, Shield would become the first approved blood test for colorectal cancer eligible for Medicare reimbursement, potentially giving more patients access to the test.
Guardant Health’s Shield test demonstrated high sensitivity in detecting colorectal cancers at an early stage, making it a promising option for early detection and treatment outcomes. The company claims that their test is less invasive than traditional methods such as colonoscopies and provides results within days rather than weeks or months like other tests require. This convenience and quick turnaround time could encourage more patients to opt for this screening method rather than avoiding screenings altogether or waiting too long to receive them.
Despite being undertreated due to a lack of screenings, colorectal cancer remains one of the most preventable forms of cancer with proper screening and early detection rates leading to better treatment outcomes and improved survival rates.
In conclusion, if approved by the FDA, Guardant Health’s Shield blood test could be a game-changer in colorectal cancer screening, providing more patients with an accessible and convenient option that could help close the gap between screened and unscreened individuals while improving overall patient outcomes.
