Citrus Colorectal Cancer Foundation

A New Blood Test for Colon Cancer Screening — Progress with Important Limitations

Colorectal cancer is the 3rd most common cancer in both men and women in the U.S. Each year, approximately 150,000 Americans are diagnosed and nearly 53,000 lose their lives to this disease. The good news? Colon cancer is one of the most preventable cancers through screening.

A newly FDA-approved blood-based screening test offers another option for average-risk adults age 45+ who are reluctant to undergo traditional screening.

Here’s what patients should know:
🔹 The blood test detected about 83% of colorectal cancers overall
🔹 Detection of early Stage I cancer was only ~55%
🔹 Detection of advanced precancerous polyps was only ~13%
🔹 By comparison, colonoscopy detects over 95% of colorectal cancers and can remove polyps before they become cancer

This means blood testing may help increase screening participation—but it is not a replacement for colonoscopy. Any positive blood test still requires a follow-up colonoscopy.

At Citrus Colorectal Cancer Foundation, our message remains clear:
The best screening test is the one that gets done—but colonoscopy remains the gold standard for prevention.

Screening starts at age 45 for average-risk adults. Early detection saves lives.

💙 Guess why the courthouse and fountain in Inverness are glowing blue? 💙

A big thank you to our County Commissioner Rebecca Bays for making this happen in honor of Colon Cancer Awareness Month. This beautiful display is more than just a color—it’s a powerful reminder to our community.

Colon cancer is rising, especially in younger individuals. It is now the #1 cause of cancer-related death in men under 50 and the #2 cause in men and women overall in the United States.

Gut health matters. Prevention matters. If you have symptoms—don’t wait. A colonoscopy can be life-saving. Along with screening, a healthy diet and good gut health can improve overall wellness and help reduce risks of diabetes, high blood pressure, dementia, and even other cancers.

Let’s continue to raise awareness, support one another, and keep this momentum going. So proud of our Citrus County community 💙