What to know about the new blood-based test for colorectal cancer

Innovative technologies are expanding colorectal cancer screening options, and that’s good news for U.S. adults who are looking for choice in their screening methods.

According to the Prevent Cancer Foundation’s بررسی تشخیص زودهنگام ۲۰۲۵, more than a quarter of survey participants who are either not up to date or are unsure if they’re up to date on their سرطان روده بزرگ screening said they would be more likely to prioritize their screening if there were an option to screen with a blood test.

The good news for these patients is that there are blood tests available for colorectal cancer screening, including one that was recently approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Here’s what you need to know.

What are the different types of colorectal cancer screening tests and who is eligible?

Colorectal cancer screening is recommended beginning at age 45 through age 75 for those at average risk. The three main types of colorectal cancer screening tests are visual, stool-based, and blood-based.

Visual tests use actual devices that allow health care providers to look inside the colon and rectum. This includes tests like a colonoscopy, a virtual colonoscopy, or a flexible sigmoidoscopy. Abnormal results from a virtual colonoscopy or flexible sigmoidoscopy would require follow-up with a timely colonoscopy.

آزمایشات مبتنی بر مدفوع involve sending stool samples to a lab to detect if there is blood in the stool. After getting a kit from a health care provider, you can take the test at home and mail in your results. If you receive abnormal results, a timely follow-up colonoscopy will be necessary.

Blood-based tests are non-invasive tests that detect colorectal cancer signals in the blood. For this type of test, you would get your blood drawn at a clinic which would then send your blood sample to a lab for testing. If you receive abnormal results, a timely follow-up colonoscopy will be necessary.

What is the new blood-based screening option?

In 2024, the FDA approved a new blood-based screening test for people ages 45 and older who are at average risk of colorectal cancer—the first blood-based test to be approved as a screening option for colorectal cancer.

In addition to FDA approval, in June 2025 the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) included the blood-based test in its updated screening guidelines. NCCN guidelines are among the leading standards used globally to guide cancer care. Other guideline-issuing organizations, such as the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) and the American Cancer Society, have not yet included the blood-based test in their screening recommendations, and the NCCN guidelines specify that these blood tests are for people of average risk that can’t or won’t use other screening methods.

Like other blood tests, the blood test to screen for colorectal cancer can be completed at your health care provider’s office, and you’ll get results within two weeks. A positive result would need to be followed up with a timely colonoscopy.

The test is covered by Medicare Part B which covers individuals age 65 or older. For those with other insurance coverage, it is best to talk to your insurance provider to determine which screening tests are covered for you.

What colorectal cancer screening test is right for me?

Talk to your health care provider about which screening option is right for you.

It is important to understand that a colonoscopy is the only colorectal cancer screening option that can prevent colorectal cancer—with a colonoscopy, your doctor can find and remove precancerous polyps (grape-like growths on the wall of the large intestine, which is part of the colon) before cancer develops. All other types of colorectal cancer screening provide an opportunity to detect cancer that has already begun, but abnormal results require follow-up with a timely colonoscopy.

Stool and blood-based tests are not recommended for people at increased risk of colorectal cancer, who should be screened with a colonoscopy and may need to start regular screening at an earlier age and/or be screened more often. For those of average risk, stool- and blood-based tests can be an option, but blood-based tests are only for those who won’t get screened by a visual or stool-based test. Regardless of your age, if you experience any signs or symptoms of سرطان روده بزرگ, talk with your health care provider right away.

What can I do to reduce my risk of colorectal cancer?

In addition to routine screening, you may reduce your risk for colorectal cancer through lifestyle-related modifications:

• Exercise for at least 30 minutes, at least five days a week.
• از مصرف الکل اجتناب کنید یا آن را محدود کنید. برای کاهش خطر ابتلا به سرطان، بهتر است به طور کامل از الکل اجتناب کنید. اگر نوشیدنی را انتخاب کردید، اگر در بدو تولد برای شما زن تعیین شده بود، نوشیدن خود را به بیش از یک نوشیدنی در روز محدود کنید، و اگر در بدو تولد به شما مشروبات الکلی اختصاص داده شده بود، بیش از دو نوشیدنی در روز محدود کنید.
• به هیچ وجه سیگار نکشید و از تنباکو استفاده نکنید.
• Eat less red meat and cut out processed meat.
• وزن سالم را حفظ کنید.
• Eat lots of fruits, vegetables and whole grains.
• If you have a family history of cancer, consider genetic testing.