KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) — March is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month and one group is bringing awareness to the significant development of a blood-test for colorectal cancer. This test is the first of its kind and will offer an option for those who do not want to undergo a colonoscopy. This is a product of the Knoxville-based biotech company, New Day Diagnostics.
 
Colorectal cancer remains one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths in the United States. According to recent data, there were approximately 150,000 new cases and over 50,000 deaths from colorectal cancer in the US last year alone. In Tennessee, 3 people die every day from this cancer.  
 
It’s imperative to highlight innovations in screening methods that improve early detection and intervention. Increased adherence to screening recommendations has been proven to save lives, and the availability of diverse screening options plays a crucial role in achieving this goal. 
 
Originally known as Epi proColon, the first and only FDA-approved blood test for screening colorectal cancer, has been on the market since 2016. ColoHealth™, rebranded by New Day Diagnostics, detects cancer signals in the blood stream from blood plasma samples and marks a significant advancement in colorectal cancer screening by providing an option that doesn’t involve an invasive procedure, stool handling, or special pretest preparation.

ColoHealth™ will initially launch regionally as a laboratory-developed test and is expected to have the documentation and updated data required to transfer the existing FDA approval to the new brand by summer 2024. The ColoHealth™ LDT will be available regionally in the spring of 2024. To learn more, just visit their website.