PALO ALTO, Calif., July 28, 2026
Guardant Health, Inc. has launched a new colorectal cancer (CRC) awareness campaign featuring actor and cancer advocate Patrick Dempsey, encouraging Americans to prioritize early colorectal cancer screening through the company’s Shield™ blood test. The emotional video honors the memory of individuals who lost their lives to colorectal cancer, highlighting the importance of timely screening for a disease that remains one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths in the United States. According to Guardant Health, more than 55,000 Americans are expected to die from colorectal cancer this year, with many not being up to date on recommended screening. The campaign aims to increase public awareness of screening options and encourage eligible adults aged 45 years and older at average risk to discuss screening with their healthcare providers.
Patrick Dempsey Promotes Shield Blood Test for Early Detection
In the campaign, Patrick Dempsey emphasizes that early detection can significantly improve outcomes for people diagnosed with colorectal cancer and urges eligible individuals not to delay screening. Dempsey shared that he personally chose the Shield™ blood test, describing it as a convenient option that requires only a single blood draw. Developed by Guardant Health, Shield™ is currently the only FDA-approved blood-based colorectal cancer screening test included in both the American Cancer Society (ACS) and National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) screening guidelines. The company noted that the non-invasive test was developed using its expertise in oncology blood testing and has been supported by experience from more than one million blood tests performed. In real-world clinical use involving approximately 200,000 patients, Guardant reported that more than 90% of patients completed the Shield test, demonstrating improved adherence compared with many traditional screening methods.
Families Share Powerful Stories to Raise Awareness
The awareness campaign features emotional tributes from families who lost loved ones to colorectal cancer, illustrating the devastating impact of delayed diagnosis while reinforcing the importance of preventive screening. Family members remembered Doug Compton, Rose Hausmann, and David Duffy, describing how each individual inspired those around them while courageously facing colorectal cancer. Their stories emphasize that early detection offers the greatest opportunity for successful treatment and encourage others to prioritize routine screening before symptoms develop. Through these personal experiences, Guardant Health hopes to inspire more Americans to take proactive steps toward cancer prevention and reduce the number of preventable deaths associated with colorectal cancer each year.
Advertisement
Guardant Health Expands Focus on Precision Cancer Screening
Guardant Health continues to advance its mission of improving cancer outcomes through precision oncology and innovative blood-based diagnostics. The company’s Shield™ test is a methylation partitioning cell-free DNA (mp-cfDNA) screening assay designed to detect biological changes associated with colorectal cancer in average-risk adults aged 45 years and older. While the test is intended as a non-invasive screening option and does not replace diagnostic procedures such as colonoscopy following a positive result, it offers an additional approach that may improve screening participation among eligible individuals. By combining advanced blood testing technology, artificial intelligence-driven analytics, and public awareness initiatives featuring advocates such as Patrick Dempsey, Guardant Health aims to expand access to early cancer detection, encourage greater compliance with recommended screening guidelines, and ultimately reduce the burden of colorectal cancer through earlier diagnosis and timely treatment.
Source: Medicus Pharma press release
