In the heart of Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month (March), this is one test you should know about.
Credit: Guardant Health
March marks National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, an annual campaign focused on raising awareness about one of the most preventable - yet still deadly - cancers in the United States. And for many Floridians, new screening options like Guardant Health’s Shield blood test could make staying ahead of the disease easier than ever.
Colorectal cancer (CRC) remains the second-leading cause of cancer-related death nationwide and the third-leading cause in Florida. According to the American Cancer Society, an estimated 12,850 Floridians will be diagnosed with colorectal cancer this year, with approximately 4,240 deaths statewide. The statistics are particularly concerning because the disease is highly treatable when caught early: the five-year survival rate for patients diagnosed at an early, localized stage is about 91 percent.
Despite that, screening gaps remain widespread. Health experts estimate that more than 50 million Americans are not up to date on recommended colorectal cancer screenings, often citing discomfort or inconvenience associated with traditional options like colonoscopies or stool-based tests.
That’s where Guardant Health’s Shield blood test comes in. The test, which is FDA-approved as a primary screening option for average-risk individuals age 45 and older, allows patients to screen for colorectal cancer with a simple blood draw during a routine healthcare visit.
“Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month is an important reminder that screening saves lives,” Dr. Sam Asgarian, vice president of clinical development for screening at Guardant Health, tells Browardist. “The Shield test offers Florida patients a more comfortable, less invasive screening option that removes many of the obstacles that keep millions from getting screened. Shield makes it easier to take action on your health, because this month, and every month, the best test is the one that gets done.”
Since its launch in 2022, Shield has seen strong patient follow-through. In real-world clinical settings, more than 90 percent of patients prescribed the test completed it, significantly higher than completion rates for many traditional screening methods. The technology works by detecting specific DNA alterations in the bloodstream associated with colorectal cancer. It’s designed for individuals at average risk and is available through a prescription from a healthcare provider.
Guardant Health’s impact is also growing across Florida, particularly in South Florida where screening gaps remain a concern. The company expanded its presence in the state in 2025 through a partnership with LabFlorida (SunDx Labs), helping bring screening access to senior living communities, assisted living facilities and homebound populations.
For many Floridians, the message this March is simple: early detection saves lives. And screening options are becoming easier than ever, so get moving.
For more information, visit shieldcancerscreen.com.
