Colorectal cancer screening can save lives, yet millions of eligible Americans still do not complete recommended screening. Could a simple blood draw help reach some of the people who currently go unscreened?

In this episode of The Health Advocates, Steven Newmark speaks with Dr. Sam Asgarian, Chief Medical Officer at Guardant Health, and Oliver Rocroi, Advocacy Relations Officer at Guardant Health, about the emerging role of blood-based colorectal cancer screening.

They discuss how these tests work, who may qualify, their benefits and limitations, what happens after a positive result, and how blood-based testing fits alongside colonoscopy and stool-based screening. The conversation also explores the broader public health question of whether giving people additional screening options could help overcome barriers and lead to more cancers being detected earlier.

Plus, Oliver rejoins the program with an important update on recent changes to the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force and what those developments could mean for future consideration of newer colorectal cancer screening options.

The message for patients remains simple: understand your risk, know your screening options, and talk with your healthcare provider about the approach that makes sense for you.

Contact Our Host

Steven Newmark, Chief of Policy at GHLF: snewmark@ghlf.org

A podcast episode produced by Amelia Violet Prouse, Associate Podcast & Video Producer at GHLF.

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