The FDA (Food and Drug Administration) gave the green light to a new blood test on Monday that is able to spot colorectal cancer in its early phases, boosting the likelihood of effective treatment and healing.

Following the official launch of the test next week, a spokesperson will reveal the pricing for the self-payment option for the FDA-approved test. Anticipation of FDA approval is expected to enhance the variety and availability of protections, with varying costs depending on individual protection plans.

Once the test is officially released next week, a representative will announce the cost for the self-pay choice for the FDA-approved test. Medicare recipients who meet the requirements can obtain a shield with a prescription from a healthcare provider, which should be included in their coverage. The test was approved for individuals aged 45 and older with a moderate risk of developing colon cancer.

While colorectal cancer can be effectively treated in its initial phases, it still ranks as the second leading cause of cancer-related fatalities in the United States. The company announced that Shield is the initial FDA-approved blood test considered crucial for colorectal cancer screening. Before being approved, it was anticipated to improve or possibly surpass the existing recommended screening methods. This is the initial blood screening test for colorectal cancer that meets the requirements for Medicare reimbursement approval. Once qualified Medicare Part B beneficiaries accept the conditions, they will not be responsible for any expenses.

At present, recommendations advise initiating screenings at 45 years old, yet over one third of eligible Americans – over 50 million people – skip screenings because they find options like colonoscopies or stool-based tests to be invasive, unpleasant, or inconvenient.