Story perspectives

Low AST and ALT Raise Early Colorectal Cancer Risk by 65%-68%

9/9/2026

Summary

Story summary

U.S. researchers led by Dr. Bartelt found low AST (<14 U/L) raises early-onset colorectal cancer risk by 65%.
The same study reported low ALT (<14 U/L) increases early-onset colorectal cancer risk by 68%.
American Cancer Society added the Shield blood test to its May 2026 colorectal-cancer screening recommendations for adults 45 and older.
Experts said the low-enzyme findings are hypothesis-generating and should not change current colorectal-cancer screening guidelines.

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Story summary

U.S. researchers led by Dr. Bartelt found low AST (<14 U/L) raises early-onset colorectal cancer risk by 65%.
The same study reported low ALT (<14 U/L) increases early-onset colorectal cancer risk by 68%.
American Cancer Society added the Shield blood test to its May 2026 colorectal-cancer screening recommendations for adults 45 and older.
Experts said the low-enzyme findings are hypothesis-generating and should not change current colorectal-cancer screening guidelines.