Anyone have a positive Cologuard test?

@rosewohlfarth

Welcome to Connect, as you can tell from previous comments, many people get concerned when receive a positive result from Cologuard. I had one many years ago and when had colonoscopy it found nothing. You're doing the correct thing by following up with colonoscopy.

Cologuard is a screening test and not a diagnosis of cancer. It is just an indication that more testing is required. The company's website has a very good explanations what test is checking for.

What Does a Positive Cologuard Result Mean?
https://www.cologuard.com/understanding-your-test-results
Have you had a colonoscopy before ?

@gracie14, how are you doing? Have you had the colonscopy? Any update?

Colonoscopy/Endoscopy scheduled for end of January. I was really hoping to get it done sooner but this is the soonest I could get.

I have a no risk history, prior Cologuard negative. Two months prior to test I was taking about 600 mg of Motrin a day. I took the test and got a positive result. Of course I was shocked and puzzled, I stopped the Motrin and all NSAID's for a month and rested with Negative/Normal results.

A positive Cologuard test while taking ibuprofen could indicate a false positive result, as ibuprofen (a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, or NSAID) can cause microscopic bleeding in the gut, which could show up on the test even if there is no actual cancer present; it's generally recommended to avoid NSAIDs like ibuprofen for a period of time before taking a Cologuard test to ensure accurate results.

I had a positive Cologuard 2 years ago. I was told that I had to have a colonoscopy. The prep for it was so debilitating that I ended up vomiting all over the floor. The fall out was I couldn't move my bowels for 4 days afterward. All for it being a false positive. Nothing was found. I will NEVER go through that again no matter what.

I was able to move Endoscopy/colonoscopy up to last week. False positive Cologuard, everything clear thankfully.

Hi,

Several posts noted that only 5% of the positive tests are indicative of colon cancer. Yes? Does anyone know where that number comes from? Basis or source? Is that a good/defensible number?

I think I also read that 14% are false positives. That leaves 81% as polyps? Yes? No?

Thank you!

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.