Colon Cancer Support Group
Colorectal cancer, also called colon cancer or bowel cancer, includes cancerous growths in the colon, rectum and appendix. Many colorectal cancers are thought to arise from mushroom-like growths that are usually benign, but some may develop into cancer over time. The majority of the time, the diagnosis of localized colon cancer is through colonoscopy.
Apparently this test can detect a tumour years before it can detected by other means. The big question from our point of view is it valid for somebody that has already had cancer and is in remission?
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/healthnews/7792620/New-blood-test-can-spot-cancer-before-it-develops.html
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/healthnews/7792620/New-blood-test-can-spot-cancer-before-it-develops.html
It looks like they have one ready for lung cancer, another in the works for breast, and colon is down the line. I was wondering what happens when the test comes back positive. An obvious answer is further screening and the website confirmed that the test "is designed to be used in conjunction with diagnostic imaging, including CT, Xray and PET scanning." So I think the answer to your question, Mark, is that for those who already had cancer and are getting constant screening the test won't add much. But what I love to see down the line is for them to use the test to see if they can prevent the cancer from ever developing, before it shows up in scans.
A test is only as good as the people using it. I hope they use this one. Remember, colon cancer is also preventable but we still get it because we don't all get colonoscopies. But just imagine if everyone would get this test and then those people who tested positive all had the colonoscopies!