24 May Blood test to detect colon cancer could move a step closer to FDA approval in the US

By Jacqueline Howard, CNN

To screen for colon and rectal cancers, most people have colonoscopies, which can feel invasive and require anesthesia, or they may take an at-home stool test, which can be more convenient but also awkward — and not appealing for the squeamish.

But a simple blood test could soon become more broadly available.

Palo Alto, California-based biotechnology company Guardant Health has applied for US Food and Drug Administration approval of Shield, its blood test to screen for early signs of colorectal cancer, and on Thursday, a panel of expert advisers to the FDA gathered to discuss data on the screening test. Read more…