Blood Test for Colorectal Cancer: A Promising New Screening Tool?

Seattle, Washington United States of America
A new study found that a blood test for colorectal cancer was 83% accurate for detecting malignancies in people without symptoms or risk factors
Colorectal cancer is a leading cause of death in the United States
Early detection through screening tests can significantly reduce mortality rates
Researchers at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center in Seattle developed the test using circulating tumor DNA from blood samples
The blood test has several advantages over other methods: it's less invasive and more acceptable to patients than colonoscopy and stool tests, it can also detect precancerous growths that may not be visible through these other methods.
Blood Test for Colorectal Cancer: A Promising New Screening Tool?

Colorectal cancer is a leading cause of death in the United States, and early detection through screening tests can significantly reduce mortality rates. A new study published in The New England Journal of Medicine found that a blood test for colorectal cancer was 83% accurate for detecting malignancies in people without symptoms or risk factors. This is similar to at-home stool tests, which are also commonly used as screening tools. However, the blood test has several advantages over other methods: it's less invasive and more acceptable to patients than colonoscopy and stool tests. It can also detect precancerous growths that may not be visible through these other methods. The study was conducted by researchers at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center in Seattle, who used circulating tumor DNA from blood samples to develop the test. While the results are promising, more research is needed to determine if this new screening tool will become widely available and effective for detecting colorectal cancer.


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Confidence

90%

No Doubts Found At Time Of Publication

Sources

66%

The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
(Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

Colon Cancer Blood Test Shows Promise for Early Detection

The Name Of The NZ Prefix. I PWA NZI.P.Was Dropped. Gina Kolata Wednesday, 13 March 2024 21:04
  • Unique Points
    • , Many patients are reluctant to undergo colonoscopies or conduct at-home fecal tests.
    • The death rate in older adults has fallen, but it has increased in people under age 55.
  • Accuracy
    • Colorectal cancer awareness installation and rally on the National Mall to showcase the increasing number of cases in young adults.
    • , Many patients are reluctant to undergo colonoscopies or conduct at-home fecal tests. Doctors see potential in another screening method.
    • , The death rate in older adults has fallen, but it has increased in people under age 55.
  • Deception (30%)
    The article is deceptive in several ways. Firstly, it implies that the blood test for colon cancer detection is a new and promising method when in fact it has been around for some time. Secondly, the article quotes Dr. Folasade P. May as saying 'either you take this horrible laxative and then a doctor puts an instrument up your behind or you have to manipulate your own poop.' This statement is misleading because it implies that colonoscopies are always unpleasant when in fact they can be done with sedation, making the procedure less uncomfortable. Lastly, the article uses sensationalism by stating that 'many patients are reluctant to undergo colonoscopies or conduct at-home fecal tests.' This statement is not supported by any evidence and may create a false sense of urgency for readers.
    • The blood test for colon cancer detection is presented as a new and promising method when in fact it has been around for some time.
  • Fallacies (85%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Bias (85%)
    The author uses language that dehumanizes people who are reluctant to undergo colonoscopies or conduct at-home fecal tests. The phrase 'put many people off' implies that these screening methods are unpleasant and burdensome, which may be true but is not a neutral description of the situation.
    • Many patients are reluctant to undergo colonoscopies or conduct at-home fecal tests.
    • Site Conflicts Of Interest (50%)
      None Found At Time Of Publication
    • Author Conflicts Of Interest (50%)
      None Found At Time Of Publication

    70%

    The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
    (Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

    A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

    Cathie Wood Darling Rises; Next-Gen Product Outperforms

    Investors.com Financial News Site Analysis - Comprehensive Report on Market Coverage and Analysis - Overall Rating: 90/100 (Highly Reliable, Informative, and Engaging Source of Financial Information). Investor's Business Wednesday, 13 March 2024 22:36
    • Unique Points
      • Exact Sciences stock rose 1.1% to 61.73 in after-hours trading on today's stock market.
      • The company is well known for Cologuard, a screening tool for colorectal cancer.
    • Accuracy
      • The next-generation Cologuard had a higher sensitivity for detecting all cancer, stages one through three cancers, pre-cancers and an aggressive form of pre-cancer called high-grade dysplasia.
      • A blood test for colon cancer performed well in a study, offering a new kind of screening for a leading cause of cancer deaths.
    • Deception (50%)
      The article is deceptive in several ways. Firstly, the author states that Exact Sciences stock edged higher on the news of Cologuard Plus outperforming a rival stool-based screening test for colon cancer. However, this statement is misleading as it implies that Cologuard Plus has already been approved by regulatory authorities and is available in the market. In reality, Cologuard Plus is still undergoing clinical trials and its approval by regulatory authorities is uncertain.
      • The article states that Exact Sciences stock rose 1.1% to 61.73 after hours trading on today's stock market. This information is not relevant to the topic of the article and serves as a distraction.
      • The author states that Exact Sciences stock edged higher on the news of Cologuard Plus outperforming a rival stool-based screening test for colon cancer. However, this statement is misleading as it implies that Cologuard Plus has already been approved by regulatory authorities and is available in the market.
    • Fallacies (85%)
      The article contains an appeal to authority when Dr. Paul Limburg is quoted as saying that the specificity of Cologuard Plus is higher and will translate into a reduced number of false positives and unnecessary colonoscopies. The author also uses inflammatory rhetoric by stating that Exact Sciences stock edged higher on the news, implying an emotional response to the information.
      • Exact Sciences stock edged higher on the news
      • Dr. Paul Limburg is quoted as saying that Cologuard Plus will translate into a reduced number of false positives and unnecessary colonoscopies.
    • Bias (85%)
      The article is biased towards Exact Sciences and its next-generation Cologuard product. The author uses language that deifies the company's products and their successes while demonizing competitors such as FIT. Additionally, the author quotes Dr. Paul Limburg of Exact Sciences extensively to provide a positive perspective on Cologuard Plus.
      • Exact Sciences stock, which investor Cathie Wood holds in her ARK Innovation ETF (ARKK), edged higher on the news.
      • Site Conflicts Of Interest (50%)
        The article discusses the performance of Cologuard Plus and its ability to outperform FIT in colorectal cancer screening. The author is Investor's Business Daily which has a financial stake in Exact Sciences, the company that owns Cologuard. This could potentially influence their coverage of the topic.
        • The article discusses the performance of Cologuard Plus and its ability to outperform FIT in colorectal cancer screening.
        • Author Conflicts Of Interest (50%)
          None Found At Time Of Publication

        78%

        The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
        (Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

        A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

        A blood test for colon cancer performed well in a study, expanding options for screening

        The Associated Press News Wednesday, 13 March 2024 21:09
        • Unique Points
          • The blood test is tuned to pick up the signature of colon cancer but more research is needed to determine if it might pick up other cancers as well and give misleading results
          • Colorectal cancer awareness installation and rally on the National Mall to showcase the increasing number of cases in young adults.
          • Gastroenterologists say such tests could become part of the routine blood work that doctors order when, for example, a person comes in for an annual physical exam. About 53,000 Americans are expected to die from colorectal cancer this year.
        • Accuracy
          • <strong>Exact Sciences</strong> announced that its next-generation Cologuard outperformed a rival stool-based screening test for colon cancer.
        • Deception (50%)
          The article is deceptive in several ways. Firstly, it states that the blood test caught 83% of the cancers found by colonoscopy but very few of the precancerous growths. However, this statement is misleading because it implies that the blood test has a high accuracy rate for detecting cancer when in fact its sensitivity and specificity are not well established. Secondly, it states that some people avoid colonoscopies due to hassle or discomfort but fails to mention other reasons such as fear of pain or anxiety about the procedure. Thirdly, it presents the blood test as a convenient alternative to colonoscopies without providing enough information on its limitations and potential risks.
          • The article states that the blood test caught 83% of cancers found by colonoscopy but fails to mention that this is not well established. For example, it does not provide any data or studies supporting this claim.
        • Fallacies (75%)
          The article contains an appeal to authority fallacy by stating that the FDA has not approved the blood test for colon cancer and most insurers do not cover it. Additionally, there is a false dilemma presented when comparing the convenience of a stool test versus a colonoscopy. The author also uses inflammatory rhetoric by describing colorectal cancer as 'a leading cause of cancer deaths' without providing any context or perspective on its prevalence compared to other types of cancers.
          • The FDA has not approved the blood test for colon cancer and most insurers do not cover it.
        • Bias (85%)
          The article is biased towards the new blood test for colon cancer screening. The author mentions that it has not been approved by the FDA and most insurers do not cover it but then goes on to say that Guardant Health anticipates an FDA decision this year. This implies a positive outcome, even though there is no guarantee of approval or coverage.
          • In the U.S., screening is inching up but falls well short of the 80% goal set by various groups.
            • The blood test caught 83% of the cancers found by colonoscopy
            • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
              None Found At Time Of Publication
            • Author Conflicts Of Interest (0%)
              None Found At Time Of Publication

            78%

            The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
            (Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

            A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

            Blood test shows 83% accuracy for detecting colorectal cancer in trial

            United Press International (UPI) Susan Kreimer Wednesday, 13 March 2024 21:00
            • Unique Points
              • Colorectal cancer awareness installation and rally on the National Mall to showcase the increasing number of cases in young adults.
              • The death rate in older adults has fallen, but it has increased in people under age 55.
            • Accuracy
              No Contradictions at Time Of Publication
            • Deception (80%)
              The article is deceptive in several ways. Firstly, it states that the blood test has an accuracy rate of 83% for colorectal cancer which is similar to at-home stool tests. However, this statement is misleading as the accuracy rate of a blood test should be compared with colonoscopy and not stool tests. Secondly, the article quotes Dr. William Grady stating that blood-based screening tests are more acceptable to people than colonoscopy and stool tests which will increase screening compliance. However, this statement is also misleading as there is no evidence in the study to support this claim.
              • The accuracy rate of a blood test should be compared with colonoscopy and not stool tests.
            • Fallacies (85%)
              The article contains an informal fallacy called 'appeals to authority'. The author cites Dr. William Grady as the corresponding author of the study and quotes him extensively without providing any context or information about his qualifications or expertise in the field of colorectal cancer screening. This creates a false sense of credibility for Dr. Grady's statements, which may not necessarily be accurate or reliable.
              • ]The blood test's accuracy rate for colorectal cancer is similar to at-home stool tests.'
            • Bias (85%)
              The article reports on a study that found a blood test to screen for colorectal cancer in average-risk individuals accurately detected the malignancy in 83% of people confirmed to have the disease. The author also mentions that this accuracy rate is similar to at-home stool tests, which are more acceptable than colonoscopy and stool tests. However, it's important to note that blood-based screening tests may not be as sensitive for advanced precancerous lesions compared to other methods such as colonoscopy. Additionally, the article mentions that some people in certain populations do not take up colorectal cancer screening despite being offered it with a stool-based test or colonoscopy. This could lead to missed opportunities for early detection and treatment of colorectal cancer.
              • Blood-based screening tests are more acceptable than colonoscopy and stool tests
                • The blood test accurately detected the malignancy in 83% of people confirmed to have colorectal cancer
                  • This accuracy rate is similar to at-home stool tests
                  • Site Conflicts Of Interest (50%)
                    None Found At Time Of Publication
                  • Author Conflicts Of Interest (50%)
                    None Found At Time Of Publication

                  68%

                  The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
                  (Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

                  A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

                  No more 'ick' factor? A colon cancer blood test may be coming.

                  NBC News Digital Thursday, 14 March 2024 09:59
                  • Unique Points
                    • The first blood test to screen for colorectal cancer could be approved this year
                    • Colonoscopies and stool-based tests have a 'ick' factor related to them
                    • A new research published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that Guardant Health's Blood Collection Kit was 83% effective in finding colorectal cancers overall.
                    • The location of colorectal tumors can determine whether patients need surgery, or chemotherapy and radiation before surgery.
                    • Guardant's blood test works by detecting DNA released by cancerous tumors. It is most effective in finding later stage cancers.
                  • Accuracy
                    • Colorectal cancer awareness installation and rally on the National Mall to showcase the increasing number of cases in young adults.
                    • The death rate in older adults has fallen, but it has increased in people under age 55.
                  • Deception (50%)
                    The article is deceptive because it does not disclose the sources of the research that led to the approval of Shield test by Guardant Health. The author uses a quote from Dr. William Grady without mentioning his affiliation or disclosing any potential conflict of interest. The author also implies that colonoscopy is an invasive and unpleasant procedure, but does not provide any evidence or comparison with other screening methods.
                    • The article uses emotional manipulation by using words like 'anticipating', 'excitedly', and 'long time coming' to create a sense of urgency and excitement about the approval of Shield test. This could be seen as an attempt to influence the reader's opinion or behavior without providing any objective facts or evidence.
                    • The article does not disclose the sources of the research that led to the approval of Shield test by Guardant Health. This could mean that they are hiding important information about who funded, conducted, or published the study. The author uses a quote from Dr. William Grady without mentioning his affiliation or disclosing any potential conflict of interest.
                    • The article implies that colonoscopy is an invasive and unpleasant procedure, but does not provide any evidence or comparison with other screening methods. For example, the article says: 'Colonoscopies and “stool-based tests have that kind of ‘ick’ factor related to them,” said Dr. William Grady...' This is a subjective statement that does not provide any data or context to support the claim.
                  • Fallacies (75%)
                    None Found At Time Of Publication
                  • Bias (85%)
                    The article contains a statement that implies the author has a positive bias towards colon cancer screening and blood tests. The author uses language such as 'raising the potential to drastically increase' and 'boost the dismal rate of colorectal screenings with a less invasive and perhaps more palatable way to detect'. This suggests that they believe these new methods are better than existing ones, despite evidence suggesting otherwise.
                    • Colonoscopies and stool-based tests have that kind of ick factor related to them, said Dr. William Grady, a gastroenterologist at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center in Seattle.
                      • The first blood test to screen for colorectal cancer could be approved this year raising the potential to drastically increase the number of people diagnosed with the second-highest cause of cancer death in the United States.
                        • The location of colorectal tumors can determine whether patients need surgery, or chemotherapy and radiation before surgery.
                        • Site Conflicts Of Interest (50%)
                          None Found At Time Of Publication
                        • Author Conflicts Of Interest (0%)
                          None Found At Time Of Publication