Guardant Health Showcases New Data Underscoring Power of Blood-Based Cancer Screening at ACG 2025
a leading precision oncology company, today announced that it will present new research data at the American College of Gastroenterology (ACG) 2025 Annual Meeting in Phoenix, Arizona, taking place October 24–29, 2025. The data, developed in collaboration with top academic and clinical researchers, highlights the significant potential of blood-based testing to improve adherence to cancer screening and expand early detection options for patients.
Building on findings from its 2023 ACG abstract, Guardant Health’s latest research reinforces the critical role that simple, accurate screening tests can play in closing the gap in colorectal cancer (CRC) screening rates. The studies also suggest that this innovative testing approach may increase overall participation in lung cancer screening, offering a more accessible and patient-friendly alternative to traditional screening methods.
Expanding Evidence on Shield’s Impact on Cancer Screening Adherence
One of the featured studies at ACG 2025 reports results from an expanded cohort of 20,000 patients, confirming earlier findings on the effectiveness of Guardant Health’s Shield™ blood-based screening test in improving adherence to colorectal cancer screening.
Shield is the first and only FDA-approved test for primary screening of colorectal cancer in average-risk adults aged 45 and older. The expanded real-world analysis demonstrated over 90% adherence among patients using Shield, significantly exceeding the average adherence rates for colorectal cancer screening—typically ranging from 28% to 71% across various testing modalities.
These new results underscore how offering a non-invasive, based option can make a major difference in public health outcomes. The convenience and simplicity of Shield enable more individuals to comply with recommended cancer screening guidelines, addressing a long-standing challenge in preventive care.
Today’s research reinforces what Guardant has long believed: cancer screening is the future,” said Dr. Craig Eagle, Chief Medical Officer at Guardant Health. “These studies highlight the power of a simple blood test to close gaps in colorectal cancer screening adherence. With Shield, we’re not only improving access but offering an FDA-approved alternative that fits into people’s everyday lives.
Eagle emphasized that Shield represents a crucial advancement in cancer prevention, as colorectal cancer remains one of the most preventable yet under-diagnosed cancers due to screening noncompliance.
Patient Preferences Highlight Broader Potential Beyond Colorectal Cancer
A separate study led by researchers at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center further demonstrates the growing acceptance and preference for blood-based testing across cancer types. The study surveyed over 1,700 screening-eligible adults in the U.S. and used a conjoint analysis to evaluate patient attitudes toward different cancer screening options.
The results were clear: 43.9% of respondents said they would prefer a the test for both colorectal cancer and lung cancer over traditional screening methods, such as colonoscopy, stool tests, or low-dose CT scans. This preference suggests that expanding blood-based cancer screening could meaningfully increase participation rates across multiple cancer types.
The findings from the Cedars-Sinai study illustrate an important shift in how patients think about cancer screening,” added Eagle. “For many, the invasiveness, preparation, or discomfort of conventional methods is a major barrier. A blood test changes that conversation—people are far more likely to follow through when screening is simple and accessible.
The implications extend beyond colorectal cancer. Guardant Health is exploring the potential of its technology to detect other cancers, including lung and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), particularly in populations at elevated risk.
Presentations at ACG 2025
Guardant Health and its collaborators will share multiple data presentations at the ACG 2025 Annual Meeting, covering real-world experience, clinical performance, and patient insights related to Guardant blood-based cancer testing.
Sunday, October 26, 2025
- Poster P0302:Implementation of Blood-Based Colorectal Cancer Screening Demonstrates High Adherence: Real-World Clinical Experience
- Time: 3:30–7:00 p.m. PDT
- Location: Exhibit Hall
- Poster P1515:Detection of Hepatocellular Carcinoma via Testing in High-Risk Individuals
- Time: 3:00–3:30 p.m. PDT
- Location: Exhibit Hall
Tuesday, October 28, 2025
- Poster P4744:Assessing Patient Preferences for Blood-Based Lung Cancer and Colorectal Cancer Screening Tests: Insights from a Conjoint Analysis with over 1,700 People in the U.S.
- Time: 10:30 a.m.–4:00 p.m. ET
- Location: Exhibit Hall
Advancing Early Cancer Detection Through Innovation
Guardant Health’s continued investment in blood-based screening reflects its mission to transform cancer detection and patient outcomes through precision oncology. The Shield test builds on the company’s proven liquid biopsy technology, which has been widely adopted for advanced cancer detection and monitoring.
The data presented at ACG 2025 reinforce the company’s confidence that simple, accurate the tests can reshape how patients and clinicians approach preventive screening—particularly for cancers where early detection dramatically improves survival rates.
With colorectal cancer screening rates still below national targets, Shield provides a practical and scalable way to help health systems and clinicians meet population health goals. The test can be easily integrated into routine care, requiring only a standard draw during a doctor’s visit.
As we expand our clinical research and collaborations, we’re focused on bringing the benefits of based screening to more cancers and more people,” said Eagle. “Our goal is to make early detection as routine and accessible as possible, because that’s how we save lives.
