American Cancer Society Adds Guardant Health’s Shield Blood Test to Colorectal Cancer Screening Guidelines
Event summary
- Guardant Health’s Shield blood test included in updated American Cancer Society colorectal cancer screening guidelines published May 27, 2026.
- Shield is the first and only FDA-approved blood test for primary colorectal cancer screening in average-risk adults aged 45 and older.
- Real-world data shows Shield has over 90% patient completion rate, higher than traditional colonoscopies and stool-based tests.
- ACS guidelines now recommend Shield as an option for patients who decline or have not completed other screening tests.
The big picture
The inclusion of Shield in ACS guidelines addresses persistent screening gaps, particularly among younger adults and underserved populations. This marks a significant shift in colorectal cancer screening strategies, potentially increasing participation rates by offering a more accessible blood-based alternative to traditional methods. The move reflects broader industry trends toward liquid biopsy technologies and precision oncology solutions.
What we're watching
- Adoption Pace
- How quickly Shield will be integrated into clinical practice and insurance coverage networks.
- Market Impact
- Whether this inclusion will pressure competitors to develop similar blood-based screening options.
- Regulatory Expansion
- The likelihood of Shield gaining approval for additional cancer screening applications.
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