Guardant Health’s Shield Blood Test for Colorectal Cancer Coverage Expanded to U.S. Veterans
PALO ALTO, Calif. – In a recent press release, Guardant Health, Inc., a leading precision oncology company, declared that its Shield™ blood test for colorectal cancer (CRC) screening is now covered by a major healthcare insurance program for U.S. veterans. This coverage applies to patients receiving community care authorized by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) as an in-network benefit. Notably, there is no copay for average-risk individuals who are age 45 or older.
What is Guardant Health’s Shield Blood Test?
The Shield blood test is a non-invasive, liquid biopsy test that detects circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) in a blood sample. This test is designed to identify colorectal cancer, even at early stages, by analyzing the genetic material shed by cancer cells into the bloodstream. By providing an accurate and early diagnosis, the Shield blood test can significantly improve patient outcomes and survival rates.
Impact on U.S. Veterans
This new coverage expansion from Guardant Health is expected to have a substantial impact on U.S. veterans, who are at a higher risk for colorectal cancer compared to the general population. According to the American Cancer Society, colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer among veterans. With the Shield blood test now covered by the VA, veterans can access this potentially lifesaving screening test at no cost, regardless of their location.
Global Implications
Beyond the U.S. veteran community, this coverage expansion by Guardant Health could have far-reaching implications for the global healthcare landscape. As more healthcare providers and insurers recognize the value of non-invasive, early detection tests like the Shield blood test, we may witness a shift towards more accessible, affordable, and effective cancer screening programs. This could lead to earlier diagnoses, improved patient outcomes, and ultimately, a reduction in cancer-related mortality rates.
Conclusion
In summary, Guardant Health’s announcement of Shield blood test coverage for U.S. veterans marks a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to improve colorectal cancer screening and early detection. This non-invasive, liquid biopsy test, which analyzes circulating tumor DNA in a blood sample, is now accessible to a larger population at no cost, with the potential to save lives and improve patient outcomes. As more healthcare providers and insurers adopt similar coverage policies, we may see a positive impact on global cancer screening programs and, ultimately, a reduction in cancer-related mortality rates.
- Guardant Health’s Shield blood test for colorectal cancer screening is now covered by a major healthcare insurance program for U.S. veterans.
- This coverage applies to patients receiving community care authorized by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) as an in-network benefit.
- There is no copay for average-risk individuals who are age 45 or older.
- The Shield blood test is a non-invasive, liquid biopsy test that detects circulating tumor DNA in a blood sample.
- This expansion is expected to have a substantial impact on U.S. veterans, who are at a higher risk for colorectal cancer compared to the general population.
- The coverage expansion could lead to a shift towards more accessible, affordable, and effective cancer screening programs globally.
