Blood test added to colon cancer screening guidelines

Added: 2026-06-02

[00:00:00]The American Cancer Society made an update to colon cancer screening guidelines. This new recommendation offers an additional way for adults to get screened. Health and wellness reporter Kate Chapple is here to share some of this new information about the recommendation that could really save lives, Kate.

[00:00:15]>> And that's the important part, Mary. And the new recommendation reaffirms that screenings for people who are at average risk should still start at age 45. But now, the American Cancer Society is adding guidelines to include a blood test. The goal is just to give people more options and get more adults tested sooner because right now, as it stands, too many people just aren't. So, the blood test is called Shield and it's given at the doctor's office. It detects DNA that cancerous tumors release into the bloodstream. This test is for people who do not or just won't complete a stool-based test or colonoscopy, which is still the preferred test. Also, keep in mind, even for any stool or blood-based screening to be effective, if there's a positive result, you do still need to follow up with a colonoscopy to complete the process.

[00:01:03]The at-home stool tests also look for DNA markers and blood and are recommended every 3 years. A colonoscopy is the gold standard for detection and is recommended every 10 years, starting at age 45 through 75. The American Cancer Society added the new screening guidelines to help prevent and treat the disease in its early stage because early detection is key to survival. They also say the most effective test is just the one you actually get. Alex?

[00:01:30]>> It's good to have options though, for sure. Thank you so much, Kate. We appreciate it.