This is actually a very complex topic. To answer the question fully it would take a lot more space than just this forum. Remember that Cologuard represents The best screening assay available and the company is rolling out a new improved version that will be even better. But it's not a black and white world. Polyps can be benign or several grades of precancer leading to cancer, which can only be determined bye colonoscopy and a histopath examination of the tissue. When most people, me included, get a positive color guard, we want to grab onto information such as "well, only 5% of cologuard positives actually result in cancer diagnosis".. examination of available research data this past week shows that this five or 6% number is no longer being reported but rather data is shown for various age classes of individuals. I think it's comforting to think that cologuard is a wonderful screening assay to get you into see a doctor and have a colonoscopy and start the path to better health. All I know is my cologuard in May of 2023 gave me new life!

I had a colonoscopy back in 2013. After that I had 2 cologuards 2017,2020. Both were negative.

In summer 2024 I started to feel a change in bowel habits.
Finally had a colonoscopy in November. I had diverticulitis with a stricture and needed a bowel resection quickly..
I’m thankful all pathology was negative but I tell my story because if I had a colonoscopy back in 2020 I may have discovered I had diverticulitis and could have changed up my diet and maybe could have avoided surgery.

As cologuard is a great, less invasive option I think it’s best to do it ever other time your scheduled for a colonoscopy.
Nothing is better detecting problems than a colonoscopy.