Understand your 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- English (US)
- English (US)
- Español (Spanish)
Next Steps
Talk to your healthcare provider about the right screening schedule for you. Even after a negative result, it's important to keep up with regular screening.
The American Cancer Society recommends that patients get screened for colorectal cancer again three years after a negative Cologuard result.1
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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
- If your Cologuard test is positive and you are not experiencing symptoms, a colonoscopy is recommended to rule out cancer. Many patients with early‐stage colon cancer have no symptoms and are diagnosed through screening
False positives can occur. When you discuss your result with a healthcare provider, you will need to plan a colonoscopy to confirm your result.
Watch this video to better understand a positive result- English (US)
- English (US)
- Español (Spanish)
Next Steps
Follow up with your healthcare provider. Schedule a colonoscopy to see what this positive result means for you.
As of 2023, Medicare and commercial plans cover a colonoscopy following a positive Cologuard result. Exceptions for coverage may apply; please confirm with your insurer. They are the best source of info on your plan and coverage.
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.