National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month in July shines a light on the barriers that prevent individuals from getting the care they need. Although much of the conversation has focused on mental health services, many of the same barriers can impact participation in preventive health care, such as cancer screening.
This reality is reflected in recent updates to the American Cancer Society’s colorectal cancer screening guidelines.
The organization is now incorporating an FDA-approved shielded blood test as a screening option for average-risk adults age 45 and older who have not completed the recommended colorectal cancer screening through traditional methods such as colonoscopies or stool-based tests.
This update arrives as colorectal cancer remains one of the nation’s most serious public health challenges. It is the second leading cause of cancer death in the United States, and cancer incidence among young people is increasing. Even though testing options have been available for decades, more than 50 million Americans who are eligible for testing remain untested.
The American Cancer Society’s latest guidelines reflect an increased emphasis on meeting patients where they are and offering multiple pathways to treatment.
The Shield test is the first and only FDA-approved blood test included in both the American Cancer Society and National Comprehensive Cancer Network colorectal cancer screening guidelines. This test is done by drawing blood and is intended for average-risk adults aged 45 and older.
This conversation is especially relevant during Minority Mental Health Awareness Month, as healthcare decisions often go beyond clinical recommendations.
As colorectal cancer incidence continues to rise and millions of people are behind on screening, the goal is to reduce barriers and increase participation in screening. It is essential to detect colorectal cancer early, when treatment is most effective.
