Updated colorectal cancer guidelines endorse new stool tests, recommend limited use of blood tests (IMAGE)
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“The new guidance adds a stool RNA test and an updated stool DNA test to the menu of preferred options for colorectal cancer screening, which currently include colonoscopy and stool tests that detect tiny amounts of blood, among other options,” said UVA Health's Andrew Wolf, MD. “Although the idea of a blood test for colorectal cancer sounds very attractive, they aren’t yet as good as the other tests at detecting precancerous growths and early-stage cancer, so we don’t believe they are as effective as a screening test. That said, we’re very hopeful that broadening the array of options will get more folks screened and reduce the burden of suffering from colorectal cancer.”
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May be used to accompany news coverage of the colorectal cancer screening update. All other uses require express written consent from UVA Health.
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