American Cancer Society Updates Colorectal Cancer Screening to Include Blood Tests

1-Minute Brief

The inclusion of blood-based tests in screening guidelines may expand early detection options for colorectal cancer, especially in younger adults.

Key Facts

• The American Cancer Society updated its colorectal cancer screening guidelines to add blood-based tests as an option.
• Screening is recommended to begin at age 45, according to the updated guidelines.
• The guidelines reaffirm stool-based tests and recommend limited use of blood tests for screening.
• Geneoscopy's ColoSense® test was named as a preferred option in the updated recommendations.
• The updates come amid a reported increase in colorectal cancer cases among younger adults.

What Happened

The American Cancer Society revised its colorectal cancer screening guidelines to include blood-based tests, while maintaining recommendations for existing screening methods.

Why It Matters

Expanding screening options may improve early detection and accessibility, particularly as colorectal cancer rates have reportedly risen among younger populations.

What's Next

Healthcare providers may begin offering blood-based screening tests alongside other approved methods. Further research and monitoring of outcomes may inform future guideline updates.