There might be a new home blood test that might be as effective as a home-based stool test to detect colorectal cancer, according to the New England Journal Of Medicine. Even though both tests might be 83% accurate only, getting a blood test done might be easier for some people who despise the other.
Researchers say that due to the delay of getting tests done, numerous people experience the risk of never getting the right treatment for colon cancer at the right time. The study author says that the results of this study are promising and might be a step towards developing convenient tools for early cancer detection when treatment might be easier. This test is an alternative to detect early cancer among people who might decline current screening options.
The trail included 8000 people aged 45 to 84 where their colonoscopies were compared with Guardant’s Shield blood test. This test, which is currently ranked at number one for detecting this form of cancer, detects signals in blood DNA shed by tumors which are known as circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA). This measurement is also used in liquid biopsy tests which in turn is used to monitor cancer recurrence in people who were once detected with it. This test was more sensitive for people who already were diagnosed with colorectal cancer even at an early stage.
Colorectal cancer is common and most importantly preventable when detected. But only 60% of people usually get tests done. While cancer deaths of this kind have decreased significantly, the 1% chance has increased among people under the age of 55.
According to some doctors, blood tests for people under the age of 50 are extremely crucial and that should be a routine for people when visiting doctors. Some experts also say that home-based tests might be hard to trust due to their low accuracy. This study also explores the difficulty faced in getting people to do home based tests which is related to the high rate of such tests. Even if people are willing to invest in the test, there is always a ‘yuck’ factor that pencils in.
A surgical oncologist says that one of the reasons why young people are detected with the disease is a relation to the microbiome which affects the human immune system. A disruption in the balance of this microbiome might be an important factor for developing colon cancer.
The blood test described in the study can help diagnose this bacterium as well as might help in taking preventative measures. Symptoms of colon cancer include abdominal pain, cramps or a change in stool habits. Experts also said that low iron levels in the blood might indicate cancer as well. Therefore, it is important to go for screening- it helps detect early cancers when there might be a high chance of cure.
Journal Reference – Chung, D. C., Gray, D. M., Singh, H., Issaka, R. B., Raymond, V. M., Eagle, C., … Grady, W. M. (2024). New England Journal of Medicine, 390(11), 973–983. doi:10.1056/nejmoa2304714
