About colon cancer
screening results
with Cologuard®
Understanding a Cologuard result
Cologuard is a screening test that looks for altered DNA and/or blood that could be signs of precancerous growths or colorectal cancer.
Getting screened is always a good choice because your result can help guide your path forward. Discuss any test result with a healthcare provider and plan next steps.
Select Negative or Positive below for helpful information and videos
- Negative Result
- Positive Result
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Negative Results
What does a negative result mean?
If you received this result:
- Cologuard did not detect altered DNA and/or blood in your stool
- You're unlikely to have colorectal cancer
False negatives can occur. When you discuss your result with a healthcare provider, ask when you should screen again.
Watch this video to better understand a negative result
The American Cancer Society recommends that patients get screened for colorectal cancer again three years after a negative Cologuard result.1 -
Positive Results
What does a positive result mean?
If you received this result:
- Cologuard detected altered DNA and/or blood in your stool
- This could be due to precancerous growths, colorectal cancer, or some other reason
- It’s important to know that this is not the same as a cancer diagnosis
False positives can occur. When you discuss your result with a healthcare provider, you will need to plan a follow-up colonoscopy to confirm your result.
Watch this video to better understand a positive result
Reference
1. Wolf AMD, Fontham ETH, Church TR, et al. Colorectal cancer screening for average-risk adults: 2018 guidelines update from the American Cancer Society. CA Cancer J Clin. 2018;68(4):250-281.