Blood test could pinpoint colon cancer earlier

Colon cancer is one of the top three deadliest forms of cancer - in part because it's often diagnosed so late.

Now a groundbreaking study could pinpoint the disease easier, and earlier.

The colonoscopy is the gold standard for detecting colon cancer. A tiny camera lets doctors look for any signs of trouble, but many patients are squeamish.

"They're afraid it's going to hurt," registered nurse Bonnie Rose said. "Some people are afraid what they might find."

A blood test could someday eliminate the need for colonoscopies.

"This would be up there with a cure for the common cold, to be able to do a blood test that would identify in the population a high risk for cancer, or even early cancer would be a major breakthrough," said Dr. Thomas Deas, gastroenterologist.

Hazel Fry was asked to be part of the study. She quickly said yes.

"My brother just died of colon cancer," Hazel said.

It just takes a few vials of blood. And a needle stick is part of the colonoscopy process anyway.

Doctors want to know if there are markers that pinpoint colon cancer just as they do in prostate cancer.

"So that the entire population wouldn't have to go through a screening test like a colonoscopy or x-ray, but could be screened with a blood test," Deas said. "That would be good news for a lot of patients."

The answer is years off, but there's hope the screening so many dread could someday become obsolete.