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An experimental blood test could be a game-changer in detecting colon cancer with remarkable accuracy, a new study reveals. Published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, the research highlights the potential of the test to aid in early detection, especially for middle-aged and senior individuals.
The blood test demonstrated an impressive 81% accuracy in identifying colon cancer in patients already diagnosed with the disease. Moreover, it showed 90% accuracy in ruling out colon cancer among healthy individuals, making it a valuable tool for screening. These findings were presented at the 2025 American Society of Clinical Oncology Gastrointestinal Cancers Symposium held in San Francisco.
Lead researcher Dr. Aasma Shaukat, a gastroenterologist at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, emphasized that this test could significantly increase colon cancer screening rates. Currently, about 22% of people eligible for colon cancer screening do not undergo the procedure. In some states, this number exceeds 40%.
Traditionally, colonoscopy is the gold-standard screening method for colon cancer. However, the procedure requires bowel preparation and anesthesia, which many patients find unpleasant. Fecal blood tests are also used for screening but must be repeated annually under current guidelines. Dr. Shaukat advocates for the need for alternative screening methods that are not only effective but also convenient and easy to complete.
The study involved over 40,000 individuals aged 45 to 85 across 200 sites in the United States. Participants underwent a standard colonoscopy and had their blood drawn for the experimental test. Researchers then compared the blood test results to the colonoscopy findings.
Dr. Pamela Kunz, chief of GI medical oncology at Yale School of Medicine, expressed optimism about the new blood test, calling it a valuable addition to colorectal cancer screening options. “This test may offer a convenient and effective option for the average-risk U.S. population,” she said, although she was not directly involved in the study.
As researchers continue to explore the long-term impact of this blood test for colon cancer screening, it could soon become a key tool in the fight against colon cancer.
For more information on colon cancer screening, visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s website.
Disclaimer: This study is still in its experimental stages, and while the results are promising, further research is needed to determine the test’s long-term effectiveness and availability for widespread clinical use.
