Updated · WFFT FOX 55 Fort Wayne | Indiana News & Weather · May 31
American Cancer Society Adds Blood Test for Colorectal Screening at 45+, but Keeps Colonoscopy First
Updated
Updated · WFFT FOX 55 Fort Wayne | Indiana News & Weather · May 31
American Cancer Society Adds Blood Test for Colorectal Screening at 45+, but Keeps Colonoscopy First
1 articles · Updated · WFFT FOX 55 Fort Wayne | Indiana News & Weather · May 31
Adults 45 and older at average risk can now use Guardant Health’s Shield blood test under updated American Cancer Society colorectal screening guidelines if they decline or do not complete colonoscopy or stool tests.
The group kept colonoscopy and stool-based screening as preferred options because blood testing is less sensitive for precancerous polyps and early-stage disease, even though Shield showed 83% sensitivity and 90% specificity for colorectal cancer.
Shield is recommended every three years, costs about $1,495 before coverage, and a positive result still requires a follow-up colonoscopy; the guideline also added stool tests Cologuard Plus and ColoSense.
The update aims to reach the roughly 1 in 3 eligible adults who remain unscreened as colorectal cancer has become the leading cause of cancer death among Americans under 50.
Is the new colon cancer blood test a convenient lifesaver or a dangerous shortcut that misses early signs?
With easier screening tests available, why do so many still miss the final, life-saving step after a positive result?
Closing the 20 Million Screening Gap: Inside the 2026 ACS Colorectal Cancer Guidelines Update
Overview
The 2026 American Cancer Society guidelines mark a major step in the fight against colorectal cancer, which remains a leading public health challenge in the United States. With nearly 160,000 new cases and 55,000 deaths each year, and a rising incidence among younger adults, the updated recommendations respond to urgent needs. Recent research shows colorectal cancer is now the top cancer killer for adults under 50, highlighting the importance of effective and accessible screening. By refining guidelines and expanding screening options, the ACS aims to improve early detection and reduce the burden of this disease for all populations.