N.Y. approves blood test for colon cancer

MADISON, N.J., March 17 (UPI) -- A colon cancer test using a blood specimen has been approved by the New York state Department of Health, officials of a diagnostics company said.

"ColoVantage is a convenient, non-invasive option for the millions of patients 50 years of age and older who resist testing by recommended screening methods," Dr. Jon R. Cohen, senior vice president and chief medical officer of Quest Diagnostics, says in a statement.

"As a technique that patients may actually use, ColoVantage is arguably the first practical testing option to promote meaningful cancer evaluation among this large underserved population. It is fitting that March, colorectal cancer awareness month, marks the date our test met New York's rigorous regulatory criteria."

Cohen says U.S. residents are advised to get a colonoscopy or flexible sigmoidoscopy beginning at age 50; only about half actually get the invasive screening.

Unlike other colorectal cancer tests, ColoVantage does not require dietary restrictions or special preparations and it can be added to routine blood work. However, a positive test result should be followed up by colonoscopy, Cohen says.