At Temecula Medical Group, we're committed to making preventive health accessible and straightforward. Colon cancer, also known as colorectal cancer (CRC), is one of the most preventable cancers when caught early, yet many people skip screenings due to inconvenience or discomfort. This simple blood draw not only targets colon cancer but also includes signals for additional cancers like bladder, breast, esophageal, gastric, liver, lung, ovarian, pancreatic, and prostate—all covered for eligible Medicare patients aged 45-86.
Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer in the U.S., but regular screening can dramatically reduce mortality. Studies show that screening can prevent 25-50% of CRC-specific deaths by detecting precancerous polyps or early-stage tumors. Early detection through screenings can decrease the risk of dying from colon cancer by up to 60%, according to recent statistics. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends screening for adults aged 45-75, noting a moderate net benefit even for those 45-49, as it improves early-stage detection and treatment outcomes. Without symptoms in early stages, proactive screening is essential—it's the number one way to prevent colon and rectal cancers, making them highly treatable if identified promptly. In fact, detecting CRC early significantly boosts cure rates, underscoring screening's role in both prevention and effective treatment.
Traditional methods like colonoscopies are effective but can deter participation due to preparation and invasiveness. That's where blood-based tests like Shield™ shine, offering a convenient alternative with high adherence rates—over 90% in studies, far above average CRC screening compliance.
Developed by Guardant Health, the Shield™ test is an FDA-approved blood-based screening tool designed primarily for colorectal cancer detection in average-risk adults. It works by analyzing cell-free DNA in the blood for cancer signals, providing a non-invasive option that addresses barriers to traditional screening.
Key highlights from clinical data:
Backed by rigorous trials like ECLIPSE, Shield™ is paving the way for better screening access and outcomes.
Don't wait—early detection could save your life. RSVP for our event on 12/18/2025 at https://calendar.app.google/4jUBrVv4BJVARhX26. Bring your Medicare details, and let's make preventive care a priority. If you miss this screening event, just call us, and we can still help you at another time.
For more information, visit Guardant Health's Shield page or contact us at Temecula Medical Group.
References:
All citations drawn from peer-reviewed studies, USPSTF guidelines, and Guardant Health clinical data as linked below:
