Is Colonoscopy Dead? All About The New Blood Test for Colon Cancer

In this episode, Dr. Gandolfo explores the latest advancements in non-invasive colorectal cancer screening, including the new FDA-approved "Shield" blood test and the updated Cologuard stool test. With only 60% of eligible individuals getting screened in the US, these new tests offer alternatives for those who are unable or unwilling to undergo a colonoscopy. Dr. Gandolfo dives into the pros and cons of these non-invasive tests and discusses their effectiveness compared to the gold standard of colonoscopy.

Topics covered in this episode:

- Introduction to non-invasive colorectal cancer screening options.

- Detailed explanation of the Shield blood test and its recent FDA approval.

- Overview of the updated Cologuard stool test and its improvements.

- Case study of a 73-year-old patient with undiagnosed colon cancer.

- The importance of early detection and screening for colorectal cancer.

- Sensitivity and specificity of non-invasive tests versus colonoscopy.

- Practical advice on choosing the right screening method based on age, health, and risk factors.

- The role of non-invasive tests in increasing screening rates among the unscreened population.

Referenced in today's show:

- Study on the new generation of Cologuard

- New England Journal of Medicine article on the Shield blood test

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