July’s National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month shines a light on barriers that can prevent individuals from accessing the care they need. While much of the conversation centers on mental health services, many of those same obstacles can influence participation in preventive healthcare, including cancer screening.
The reality is reflected in a recent update to the American Cancer Society’s colorectal cancer screening guidelines.
The organization now includes the FDA-approved Shield blood test as a screening option for average-risk adults age 45 and older who have not completed recommended colorectal cancer screening through traditional methods such as colonoscopy or stool-based testing.
The update arrives as colorectal cancer remains one of the most serious public health challenges in the country. It is the second-leading cause of cancer death in the United States and is increasingly affecting younger adults. Despite the availability of screening options for decades, more than 50 million Americans who are eligible for screening remain unscreened.
The American Cancer Society’s updated guidelines reflect a growing emphasis on meeting patients where they are and providing multiple pathways to care.
The Shield test is the first and only FDA-approved blood test included in both American Cancer Society and National Comprehensive Cancer Network colorectal cancer screening guidelines. The test is performed through a blood draw and is intended for average-risk adults age 45 and older.
The conversation is especially relevant during Minority Mental Health Awareness Month because healthcare decisions often extend beyond clinical recommendations.
As colorectal cancer rates continue to rise and millions remain overdue for screening, the goal is to reduce barriers and increase participation in screening. Detecting colorectal cancer earlier, when treatment is most effective, is essential.
