Anyone have a positive Cologuard test?

Posted by dazlin @dazlin, Nov 21, 2019

My test results came back positive. I asked what did it show, because they test for 11 different cancers or categories. They said, it just states either negative or positive for cancer. I had problems a few years back and did a colonoscopy, which came back ok. Now this!! I'm reading theres a 13 percent chance of false positive. Right now I'm extremely distraught about having to go through all Consults, tests, and dreaded preps. Orders are in for Consult with gastro, but they're booked out through January or February in Mayo. I have not received any notice for appointment yet. Dont know what to think or do.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Colorectal Cancer Support Group.

roywalton | @roywalton | May 29 1:01pm

In reply to @amydema "I just received a positive result on my cologuard. I am very nervous" + (show)

Only 5% of cologuard positives actually result in cancer. That being said just work through the process, have the colonoscopy as soon as you can just remember it's all part of life!

samdeman | @samdeman | May 29 1:07pm

In reply to @roywalton "Only 5% of cologuard positives actually result in cancer. That being said just work through the..." + (show)

i am a 72 year old , non smoking , healthy man, with no cancer history. i had
a positive cologuard, and the most stressful part of it, was the fact i could not get to my colonoscopy for a couple months.

but i had the colonoscopy and i had, blessidly a couple non cancerous polyps.

in retrospect i realize it is better to have a false positive with cologuard than
a false negative.

when i got my bill, i was charged for the polyp removal. it is extra. i asked the
doctor at my follow up if i could have the polyps restored, to save the charge?
just kidding.

Good luck

Sam Cohen
Highlands, North Carolina

amydema | @amydema | May 29 9:33pm

In reply to @roywalton "Only 5% of cologuard positives actually result in cancer. That being said just work through the..." + (show)

Thank you so much for your kindness I am researching doctors at nyu. I am nervous about undergoing surgery and anesthesia. But, on the otherhand I don't want to be awake

roywalton | @roywalton | May 30 6:30am

In reply to @amydema "Thank you so much for your kindness I am researching doctors at nyu. I am nervous..." + (show)

Actually, you may not want or need anesthesia. I found it very useful to be interactive with the doctor. Watched the whole process on a big screen TV in front of me quite fascinating! Was able to ask questions and get important information

robsantana | @robsantana | Jun 10 4:47am

What a great thread. I did a cologuard test since I couldn’t get a ride there and back for my colonoscopy. It came back positive so I did talk to a friend about getting a ride and she had a friend visiting who offered to do it immediately. Definitely pays to at least discuss it with friends. My colonoscopy is in October which is totally ok with me because I really like that doctor. I am a bit concerned but not worried because I feel fine. I will update on this thread after I get my exam. Much thanks to Mayo Clinic for this wonderful thread and I’d like to ad that I really wish the rules would be changed to allow getting an uber to your colonoscopy. I really think the rules are overboard for those of us that rely on uber if we are not allowed to drive because of the anesthesia. I imagine there are quite a few people that it would help get to their exam and back.

pops74 | @pops74 | Jul 25 9:41pm

I did a Cologuard and received a positive result June 10. I see the Dr on July 31 I assume to get colonoscopy scheduled. I am curious I had a CT scan with contrast in August of last year for kidney stone issue. In the report it indicates that the bowel appears normal. This does provide some relief I have to admit.should it? I am pretty scared about all this as well. It’s hard not to think about.

sherlea2024 | @sherlea2024 | Jul 30 7:54pm

This was my 2nd colonguard test. The 1st one over 8 years ago was fine.. so now, new Dr and low platelets count called for another one. Waiting for my appointment on Sept 11th of all days. Haven't posted anything yet but I'm not sure if this is the appropriate forum for my question. So here it goes, I have recently been having dark colored what I call wipes, I've looked for blood with no blood seen. Does this necessarily mean it is internal bleeding maybe?? I've read everything about it and still no one has said anything about it. I've had a aunt " my mother's sister" and a cousin or two with colitis she the aunt died from colon cancer is that the same as colitis? Any help no matter the size is appreciated

roywalton | @roywalton | Jul 30 8:09pm

Hi - so just to clarify did you have a positive cologuard test? Colitis is not the same as colon cancer, since colitis can be any irritation or inflammation of the colon but not cancer. Certain autoimmune diseases like Crohn's disease can involve colitis as well. Also just because stool is dark It doesn't mean that it contains blood, so try not to jump to conclusions or worry about it until you have a cologuard test and if positive, then have your colonoscopy and take it step by step. Try not to worry

Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | Aug 2 3:03pm

In reply to @pops74 "I did a Cologuard and received a positive result June 10. I see the Dr on..." + (show)

@pops74, it's natural to worry. Cologuard can give a false positive. It may also be a signal to have a colonoscopy that can remove any polyps, including those that may be pre-canerous. Colon cancer grows very slowly.

Did your doctor recommend a colonoscopy?

pops74 | @pops74 | Aug 8 10:23pm

In reply to @colleenyoung "@pops74, it's natural to worry. Cologuard can give a false positive. It may also be a..." + (show)

Yes scheduled 8-16. I have a question! I had a CT with contrast about a year ago now. In that report they say that the colon looks good. Is that any indication at all. I have read that it COULD detect cancer but not the gold standard.