Blood test shows 83% accuracy for detecting colorectal cancer, study finds

A blood test intended to detect colorectal cancer performed well in a clinical study, a step towards expanding options for screening the potentially deadly disease. 

Published in the New England Journal of Medicine Wednesday, the study found the test correctly detected colorectal cancer in 83% of people confirmed to have the disease who were at average risk and not experiencing symptoms. For 10% of people, it falsely indicated they might have colon cancer when the colonoscopy found nothing.

"The results of the study are a promising step toward developing more convenient tools to detect colorectal cancer early while it is more easily treated," corresponding author Dr. William M. Grady, a gastroenterologist at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, said in a news release. "The test, which has an accuracy rate for colon cancer detection similar to stool tests used for early detection of cancer, could offer an alternative for patients who may otherwise decline current screening options."