New Alliance Aims to Revolutionize Colorectal Cancer Screening with Education and Innovation

UPPER NYACK, NY – December 29, 2025 – In a significant move to combat one of the most preventable cancers, the Global Healthy Living Foundation (GHLF) and precision oncology firm Guardant Health have announced a strategic partnership. The collaboration aims to dismantle long-standing barriers to colorectal cancer screening by merging GHLF's expertise in patient education with Guardant Health's advancements in less-invasive diagnostic technology.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States, yet it boasts high survival rates when detected in its early stages. The disconnect lies in screening adherence. Despite clear recommendations for regular screening for adults aged 45 and over, a large portion of the eligible population remains unscreened, leaving them vulnerable to a disease that could have been caught and treated.

“Our shared goal is simple: empower people with clear, trusted information so they can take steps that support their long-term health,” said Seth Ginsberg, Co-Founder and President of GHLF, in the announcement. “By elevating real experiences and removing stigma or confusion around screening, we hope to help more individuals get screened on time.”

The Persistent Challenge of Screening Adherence

For decades, public health officials have struggled to raise CRC screening rates to levels seen for other cancers like breast and cervical cancer. According to recent data, while screening prevalence for adults 45 and older has climbed to 65%, it still falls short of the 80% goal set by the National Colorectal Cancer Roundtable. The gap is even more pronounced in the newly eligible 45-49 age group, where adherence hovers below 40%.

Multiple factors contribute to this screening deficit. For many, the gold-standard colonoscopy is a daunting prospect, associated with fear of the procedure, anxiety over the necessary bowel preparation, and the logistical challenge of taking time off work. Stool-based tests, while less invasive, can be perceived as inconvenient or embarrassing.

Beyond procedural aversion, significant barriers include a simple lack of awareness about the necessity of screening, especially for those without symptoms or a family history of the disease. Socioeconomic factors also play a critical role, with lower screening rates observed among Hispanic and Asian populations, as well as in individuals with lower income and education levels. This new partnership aims to tackle these issues head-on by expanding both knowledge and options.

A New Frontier in Detection: The Rise of Blood-Based Tests

At the core of this initiative is the promise of technological innovation to simplify the screening process. Guardant Health is a key player in the burgeoning field of liquid biopsies, which use a simple blood draw to detect cancer signals. The company is poised to launch its Shield™ blood test for colorectal cancer screening, a test that looks for circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) in the bloodstream.

This method represents a paradigm shift from traditional screening. Instead of a direct visual examination or a stool sample, a routine blood test could become the first step in the screening process for many. The convenience of this approach could dramatically lower the barrier to entry, appealing directly to the millions of adults who have deferred or avoided screening.

In early 2024, an advisory committee for the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) voted favorably on the Shield test's safety and effectiveness, concluding that its benefits for average-risk individuals outweigh its risks. This positive step has paved the way for a potential full FDA approval, which would formally introduce a major new competitor to the non-invasive screening market, currently dominated by stool-based tests like Exact Sciences' Cologuard.

While colonoscopy remains the definitive diagnostic and therapeutic procedure—essential for follow-up on any positive non-invasive test—the availability of a reliable blood test could fundamentally change patient behavior and significantly increase the number of people entering the screening funnel.

Combining Technology with Trust: A Collaborative Model

Technology alone, however, is rarely the sole solution to a complex public health problem. The partnership's strength lies in its dual approach: pairing Guardant Health's innovative tool with GHLF's established credibility and extensive reach.

The Global Healthy Living Foundation connects with over 700,000 patients monthly through its digital platforms, including the prominent CreakyJoints community for arthritis patients. The nonprofit has a proven track record of creating patient-centered educational content, developing accessible health guidelines, and empowering patients to become advocates for their own care. This infrastructure provides a trusted channel to deliver information about colorectal cancer and the expanding array of screening choices.

This collaborative model aims to do more than just market a new test; it seeks to reframe the entire conversation around screening. By amplifying patient voices and providing clear, evidence-based information, the partners intend to address the fear, stigma, and confusion that prevent people from taking action.

“Improving our nation’s screening adherence gap requires us to work together across the healthcare ecosystem to make sure more people are screened earlier when cancer is more treatable and chances of survival are higher," stated Dr. Craig Eagle, Chief Medical Officer at Guardant Health. He added, “I’m eager to see the impact of today’s partnership in driving higher screening rates by empowering patients to stay up to date with their potentially lifesaving screenings.”

Together, the organizations will develop educational initiatives designed to reduce health disparities and broaden awareness of screening options that can be tailored to an individual's needs and circumstances. The goal is to foster an environment where patients feel informed and comfortable discussing screening with their healthcare providers, ultimately choosing the method that works best for them and ensuring that more cancers are found early, when the chances for a cure are greatest.