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.

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My was positive, so I had to have a colonoscopy. It was negative.

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Profile picture for silaswright @silaswright

Good morning, I am not a fan of colorguard tests. I had a positive test come up in December 2025 and with the size of the pre-cancerous growth, the Gastro DRs suspected it had been growing for 8 to 10 years. With that timeline, I had 2 maybe 3 false-negative colorguard. I wish I had known and done the colonoscopy screening instead. My primary care didn’t seem to know the data on the colorguard and I regret not researching myself.

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@silaswright My husband had a positive test in November and end of January, they found a large tumor in his cecum. It was quite large. He had had about 15 or 20 FIT (like Cologuard) tests throughout the years and the doctors said if you have no family history, you are not at high risk, so go ahead with the FIT. And I guess according to what they tell people (the 10 year thing), he had at least 10 false negatives and now he has a real mess with metastatic colon cancer. I have read research just recently that the false positives are worse than we think and some of the tumors (like sessile (flat) tumors) and ones on the right side (the ascending colon) are more likely to be false negative because they don't tend to bleed and if they don't bleed, those fecal tests are not reliable.

Anyway, hoping the best for you. If it's precancerous, there's a whole lot they can do to treat you.

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You need to push to get in as soon as possible. A positive FIT or Cologuard test should put you at the front of the line for a colonoscopy. My husband had a positive FIT test end of the year and had his colonoscopy within a month. It was cancer, so we're dealing with that now. But don't let them make you wait. Try not to stress, but you do need to force them to move on your diagnosis. Time is of the essence. These fecal tests are not 100% and the sooner they can find out, the sooner they can start treating if necessary.

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Good morning, I am not a fan of colorguard tests. I had a positive test come up in December 2025 and with the size of the pre-cancerous growth, the Gastro DRs suspected it had been growing for 8 to 10 years. With that timeline, I had 2 maybe 3 false-negative colorguard. I wish I had known and done the colonoscopy screening instead. My primary care didn’t seem to know the data on the colorguard and I regret not researching myself.

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Profile picture for msrhray @msrhray

Hi Colleen, I have Reflux/IBS for years treated with 2 daily medication twice daily. The colorgard box did mention not suitable for IBS patients, I think. I am still learning and am trying not to worry.
Thank you for your kind reply

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@msrhray the cologard test I did was negative 5yrs later I had a positive one. I wasn’t worried at first thinking it’s polyps. I was also taking nexium for years for reflux. I thought I was just constipated at times and it always resolved. Long story short I’m looking forward to finishing chemo (Xeludo) and radiation on the 16th. I’m off of Nexium now. I wish you well.

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We’ve learned, through experience, that the tests are ineffective and give false negatives.

We thought we were fine. Now dealing with stage 4.

Get a colonoscopy. Only way to be sure.

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I had a positive cologuard test, took them 3 months to schedule a colonoscopy. Had one benign polyps. Nine days later I am in ER with Colin dying and was told I had days to live if colon was not removed. I had an ileostomy 4 months ago. I am doing well but have been offered no explanation as to what happened. I suspect my colon was torn during colonoscopy. I requested copies of my medical records 6 weeks ago but have not received them.

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Profile picture for jmsharp @jmsharp

Same here. Negative 3 years and now a positive. Colonoscopy on Jan 9th. Doesn't stop the worry though.

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@jmsharp Any updates?

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Profile picture for dlc69 @dlc69

I also had a positive Cologuard and just had my first colonoscopy yesterday at the age of 52. The doctor told me that there is a medium sized polyp at the base of my appendix that couldn't be removed safely due to risk of perforation and the fact that they cannot be sure that the polyp doesn't extend into the appendix. So I now I am waiting to hear the result of the biopsy. The doctor said that the polyp needs to be removed even if its just benign or precancerous (which I thought was the same thing) either by a highly skilled gastro surgeon or via an appendectomy. He said he'd be surprised if its cancerous but that would be a different conversation. I'm so confused and upset by all this.

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@dlc69 Any updates?

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Profile picture for pops74 @pops74

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.

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@pops74
Update on colonoscopy?

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