Colon cancer can be prevented, but only with the right kind of testing
Portland, OR – October 10, 2024 – A new blood test for colon cancer detection has made headlines in recent weeks, leading some to cheer the idea of replacing their colonoscopy with this quick alternative. Doing so, however, could have deadly results. Colon cancer specialists at The Oregon Clinic caution that individuals should carefully understand the limitations of this test before making important screening decisions.
The new FDA-approved blood test for colon cancer detection, known as Shield, uses a small blood sample to detect colon cancer. Ordered by a physician, this relatively easy test is effective at detecting late-stage colon cancer. Unfortunately, this late-stage disease may not be curable or could mean more invasive treatments like chemotherapy and surgery to remove part of the colon. A screening test that detects mostly late-stage disease is not effective at reducing the incidence of colon cancer. Furthermore, the blood test is only 13% accurate at detecting advanced pre-cancerous lesions, which are more likely to turn into colon cancer over time compared to small polyps.
A colonoscopy is considered the gold-standard of colon cancer screening for good reason. A colonoscopy can not only detect cancer but pre-cancerous polyps can be removed during the procedure. A colonoscopy is 91 to 100% accurate in detecting advanced precancerous polyps. A colonoscopy can prevent colon cancer before it has developed by removing pre-cancerous polyps. No other colon cancer screening method can prevent cancer.
Colon cancer is the second-most common cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States. The American Cancer Society estimates that more than 53,000 people die of colorectal cancer every year. Almost all those deaths are preventable. That’s why it is so important everyone gets screened for colon cancer beginning at age 45. Those with family history of the disease may need to start screening even sooner.
Experts in this field are united in their recommendation: The American Cancer Society, the US Preventive Services Task Force, the American Gastroenterology Association, and the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy all recommend colonoscopy for colon cancer screening. This new blood test has serious limitations in detecting and preventing cancer and is not a replacement for colonoscopy or even a stool test.
Putting off colon cancer screening could mean the difference between preventing colon cancer and a late-stage diagnosis. Contact The Oregon Clinic to learn more about colonoscopies, what to expect, and to schedule your screening appointment.
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About The Oregon Clinic:
The Oregon Clinic is the largest private specialty physician practice in Oregon. Nearly 300 physicians and advanced practice providers provide respectful, compassionate care in more than 30 specialty areas, resulting in more than 550,000 patient visits each year. Founded in Portland in 1994, The Oregon Clinic is committed to delivering the highest quality patient care, practicing evidence-based medicine, and providing leadership for the healthcare community. We collaborate with primary care physicians and use a team approach to address health conditions at 50 specialty clinic locations across northwest Oregon and southwest Washington. Call 503-935-8000 or visit www.oregonclinic.com for more information.