Rising Colorectal Cancer in Nevada Highlights Need for Screening Access

This year, the American Cancer Society estimates that 1,530 Nevadans will be diagnosed with colorectal cancer and 580 will die from the disease. These counts reflect a more than 3% increase in new cases and a nearly 12% increase in deaths compared to recent years. Colorectal cancer remains the second leading cause of cancer death in Nevada, behind only lung cancer. The five-year survival rate reaches 91% when the disease is caught early.

Many Nevadans do not seek colorectal cancer screening. Common reasons include the preparation and procedure required for a colonoscopy and discomfort with at-home stool sample tests.

A new blood-based test for colorectal cancer screening, called Shield by Guardant Health, has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. It is the first blood test approved for primary screening in average-risk adults age 45 and older. The test requires only a routine blood draw.

Nevada state law requires most private health insurance plans and managed care organizations to cover colorectal cancer screening if the policy also covers treatment for the disease. This currently includes colonoscopies and stool-based tests such as Cologuard. However, the law does not yet extend to newer blood-based tests like Shield.

Shield is covered with no out-of-pocket cost for eligible patients under Medicare Part B. It is also covered with no copay for eligible individuals through TRICARE and VA Community Care. Most Medicare Advantage plans provide coverage as well.

A recent national survey conducted by The Harris Poll showed strong public support for broader coverage, with 92% of Americans ages 45 and older saying blood-based colorectal cancer screening tests should receive no-copay coverage similar to Medicare Part B and VA benefits.

The survey also highlighted common barriers to screening. Many people feel anxious about colonoscopies, and more than half said stool-based tests make them uncomfortable. These issues contribute to low screening rates in Nevada, where only about 64% of eligible adults ages 45 to 75 are up to date with screening. This leaves many at higher risk, particularly in rural areas where access to colonoscopy often requires long travel.

Health advocates point out that broader insurance coverage for innovative, easy-to-complete tests could help close this gap and improve early detection across the state. A positive result on any screening test, including blood-based options, typically leads to a follow-up colonoscopy.

During the 2025 legislative session, lawmakers considered measures to expand Medicaid coverage for various cancer screenings, but no bills advanced that would mandate private insurance coverage for blood-based colorectal tests.