Which test is best for Colorectal Cancer (CRC) screening? While colonoscopy is historically considered a gold standard, the best test is the one the patient does.
Screening for colorectal cancer is critical for early detection and is widely recommended by medical societies, including the American Cancer Society; however, almost 40% of eligible adults in the United States are not up to date with their screening.
Here are some alternative options for CRC:
The PREEMPT CRC study, presented at Digestive Disease Week 2024, assessed the effectiveness of a blood-based screening test for colorectal cancer (CRC). The study enrolled nearly 49,000 participants aged 45 to 85, with diverse demographic representation.
The results demonstrated almost 80% sensitivity for CRC detection and over 90% specificity for identifying non-advanced colorectal neoplasia (ACN).
Given the significant number of eligible adults who are not up to date with screening, this blood test could offer a convenient and effective CRC screening option for average-risk individuals.
I did some research on how expensive the blood test is; here is some information:
The Epi proColon test, a blood-based colorectal cancer screening test, costs $300 and is not covered by insurance since the test is indicated for patients who are unable or unwilling to be screened by colonoscopy or FIT.
On the other hand, colonoscopy, if indicated for CRC, is covered by insurance, remains the gold standard for CRC screening, and is required once every 10 years. However, it depends…