Colorectal Cancer Blood Tests:
Pros and Cons
Scientists are working on making innovative tests for colorectal cancer screening, so more people can get screened.
Colorectal Cancer Blood Tests: Pros and Cons
Scientists are working on making innovative tests for colorectal cancer screening, so more people can get screened.
Colonoscopy and stool-based tests are two options for colorectal cancer screening, but blood tests present an emerging technology. Markers in the blood can indicate the presence of colorectal cancer and, occasionally, precancerous polyps. Colorectal cancer screening blood tests are now an option for some patients.
New tests are getting approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and are becoming easier for patients to access. Here is what you need to know if you are questioning if this type of screening option is a good fit for you.
Colonoscopy and stool-based tests are two options for colorectal cancer screening, but blood tests present an emerging technology. Markers in the blood can indicate the presence of colorectal cancer and, occasionally, precancerous polyps. Colorectal cancer screening blood tests are now an option for some patients.
New tests are getting approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and are becoming easier for patients to access. Here is what you need to know if you are questioning if this type of screening option is a good fit for you.
Pros and Cons
When thinking about getting a colorectal cancer blood test, it’s important to weigh the benefits and drawbacks.
Pros
Here are some pros to screening for blood based tests for colorectal cancer screening:
Cons
Here are some cons to a blood test for colon cancer:
Pros and Cons
When thinking about getting a colorectal cancer blood test, it’s important to weigh the benefits and drawbacks.
Pros
Here are some pros to blood based tests for colorectal cancer screening:
Cons
Here are some cons to a blood test for colon cancer:
Should You Consider a Blood Test for Colorectal Cancer?
Discuss your screening options with your medical provider. Ask if a blood test is suitable for you. Keep in mind that a blood test will not be recommended if:
- You are at an increased or high risk for colorectal cancer.
- You or a first-degree biological family member have had previous colorectal cancer(s) or advanced adenomas/precancerous polyps.
- You have signs or symptoms.
Every screening test has its pros and cons. Consider all your options and choose the one that best fits your health history and your needs.
What should I do if I want to try this option?
Blood tests for colorectal cancer screening, just like colonoscopy and stool-based tests, should be ordered by a healthcare provider. To find out if blood tests are a good option for you, talk to your primary care physician, gastroenterologist, or OBGYN.
Should You Consider a Blood Test for Colorectal Cancer?
Discuss your screening options with your medical provider. Ask if a blood test is suitable for you. Keep in mind that a blood test will not be recommended if:
- You are at an increased or high risk for colorectal cancer.
- You or a first-degree biological family member have had previous colorectal cancer(s) or advanced adenomas/precancerous polyps.
- You have signs or symptoms.
Every screening test has its pros and cons. Consider all your options and choose the one that best fits your health history and your needs.
What should I do if I want to try this option?
Blood tests for colorectal cancer screening, just like colonoscopy and stool-based tests, should be ordered by a healthcare provider. To find out if blood tests are a good option for you, talk to your primary care physician, gastroenterologist, or OBGYN.
Read all your screening options, and take our screening quiz to learn your risk.
Read all your screening options, and take our screening quiz to learn your risk.
Will my insurance pay for this test?
If you and your doctor think a blood test is a good option for you, check with your insurance to see if it’s covered. If your insurance does not pay, you might have to pay for the blood test. Messaging your doctor online or contacting the office by phone can help you avoid extra appointments. Call and ask if a blood test could be an option for you.
Currently, most insurance plans do pay for colorectal cancer screening options which are in USPSTF guidelines. (At this time, blood testing is not part of the USPSTF guidelines).
Some companies that make blood tests provide programs to help patients pay for the tests like Guardant Access.
Will my insurance pay for this test?
If you and your doctor think a blood test is a good option for you, check with your insurance to see if it’s covered. If your insurance does not pay, you might have to pay for the blood test. Messaging your doctor online or contacting the office by phone can help you avoid extra appointments. Call and ask if a blood test could be an option for you.
Currently, most insurance plans do pay for colorectal cancer screening options which are in USPSTF guidelines. (At this time, blood testing is not part of the USPSTF guidelines).
Some companies that make blood tests provide programs to help patients pay for the tests like Guardant Access.
