New Partnership Aims to Tackle Colorectal Cancer Screening Gap

UPPER NYACK, NY – December 29, 2025 – In a significant move to combat one of the most preventable forms of cancer, the Global Healthy Living Foundation (GHLF) and precision oncology leader Guardant Health have announced a new strategic partnership. The collaboration is designed to tackle a persistent public health challenge: the alarmingly low rate of colorectal cancer screening among eligible adults. By combining GHLF’s patient advocacy expertise with Guardant Health’s focus on advanced diagnostics, the initiative aims to empower individuals with trusted, accessible information to encourage timely and potentially lifesaving screenings.

Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer diagnosed in both men and women in the United States, yet it carries a grim distinction. While it is highly treatable and often curable when detected in its early stages, millions of eligible adults remain unscreened. This screening gap contributes to thousands of preventable deaths each year, as cancers that could have been caught early are instead discovered at advanced stages when treatment is more difficult and survival rates are significantly lower.

The Preventable Tragedy of Late-Stage Diagnosis

The American Cancer Society estimates that over 150,000 new cases of colorectal cancer will be diagnosed in the U.S. this year, with over 50,000 deaths. The tragedy lies in how many of these outcomes could be altered through early detection. When colorectal cancer is found at a localized stage, the five-year survival rate is over 90%. However, if the cancer has spread to distant parts of the body, that rate plummets to below 15%.

This stark reality prompted the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force to lower the recommended age to begin screening from 50 to 45 for average-risk individuals. Despite this updated guidance, adherence remains a major hurdle. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), only about two-thirds of adults are up to date with recommended screening. The reasons for this gap are complex and multifaceted, ranging from systemic barriers to personal apprehension.

Many individuals cite a lack of awareness about their own risk or the available screening options. Others face practical challenges, such as the inability to take time off from work for a procedure, inadequate insurance coverage, or geographic barriers to accessing a specialist. Furthermore, a significant psychological barrier exists, rooted in the perceived invasiveness of traditional screening methods like colonoscopy, fear of the preparation process, and a general stigma around discussing digestive health.

A Unified Front for Patient Empowerment

The partnership between GHLF and Guardant Health seeks to directly address these barriers through a patient-centered educational campaign. The core strategy is to demystify the screening process by amplifying the voices of both patients and clinicians, sharing real-world experiences to build trust and reduce fear.

“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.”

This approach recognizes that a one-size-fits-all message is ineffective. The collaboration will focus on highlighting the growing range of accessible screening options, acknowledging that the best test is the one that gets done. While colonoscopy remains the gold standard for its ability to both detect and remove precancerous polyps in a single procedure, it is not the only choice. Stool-based tests and other less-invasive methods are also effective and can serve as crucial first steps for many people.

Expanding the Screening Toolbox with Innovation

A key element of the new initiative is broadening awareness of emerging technologies that make screening more accessible. This is where Guardant Health’s role becomes pivotal. As a leader in precision oncology, the company is at the forefront of developing advanced blood-based tests, also known as liquid biopsies, for cancer detection.

These simple blood tests can screen for signals of colorectal cancer, offering a less-invasive option that can be completed without special dietary preparations or time off from work for a procedure. For individuals who are hesitant or unable to undergo a colonoscopy, a blood-based test can provide a critical entry point into the screening process. A positive result from such a test would then lead to a follow-up diagnostic colonoscopy.

“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. “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.”

By educating the public about this expanding menu of screening options, the partnership aims to facilitate more productive conversations between patients and their doctors, allowing for shared decision-making that considers an individual's specific needs, preferences, and circumstances.

Ultimately, the collaboration between the Global Healthy Living Foundation and Guardant Health represents a concerted effort to reframe the narrative around colorectal cancer from one of fear to one of empowerment. By tackling misinformation, reducing disparities in access, and championing innovation, the organizations are working toward a future where a diagnosis is no longer delayed by preventable barriers, giving more people the chance to live longer, healthier lives free from cancer.