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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I understand your fear
I also had positive Cologuard recently. Colonoscopy done today and no polyps found

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Profile picture for mimisayhi @mimisayhi

my physician said she does. NOT support Cologard. I agree, just get the colonoscopy! just did a colorgard that was negative for colon cancer ... then I got a colonoscopy 4 weeks later that shows a NET in small intestine. What does THAT say about Colongard!!

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Truly! A false negative is as bad if not worse than a false positive! Good luck with everything!! Early detection so key❤️

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Profile picture for patloh59 @patloh59

Just saw your post. I guess you’ve had your colonoscopy by now and I hope all is well.
Was going to tell you that my cologuard came back positive this past November and my colonoscopy was completely normal.
My advice in general is that if you are due for your colonoscopy just do it and skip the cologuard. If it comes back positive you might have to wait quite a while to get your colonoscopy and all that worry is something nobody needs.

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my physician said she does. NOT support Cologard. I agree, just get the colonoscopy! just did a colorgard that was negative for colon cancer ... then I got a colonoscopy 4 weeks later that shows a NET in small intestine. What does THAT say about Colongard!!

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Profile picture for myfear1 @myfear1

They're just seems to be no way to not worry when you have a positive color guard test or screening and it seems like forever to wait even though it's 20 days from now it seems like forever probably the biggest fear I've ever had in my life never had a lot of problems so this is one big scare I had my last one two years ago and it was negative so this is a big emotional mental trauma

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Just saw your post. I guess you’ve had your colonoscopy by now and I hope all is well.
Was going to tell you that my cologuard came back positive this past November and my colonoscopy was completely normal.
My advice in general is that if you are due for your colonoscopy just do it and skip the cologuard. If it comes back positive you might have to wait quite a while to get your colonoscopy and all that worry is something nobody needs.

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Hey don’t be distraught even though I know you are… I experienced the exact thing. Got a first time postive color guard test and had colonoscopy Jan. 9th. Had five polps. Okay… they found five which were removed. I had two that were precancerous and that they removed💕. Get your colonoscopy it’s NOT bad I promise good luck. I know you are so scared but prayers and hey once there out you’re feel so much better..prayers

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Profile picture for madturk @madturk

Thanks Pam. It’s really not that bad of a procedure and not worth putting off.

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I’m glad I don’t have to do it again - at least for screening purposes -
I have microscopic colitis so can be positive I will never need another one for diagnostic follow up, but I will go past the recommended upper age for cancer screening.

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Profile picture for pb50 @pb50

I’m happy you had reassuring result!!

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Thanks Pam. It’s really not that bad of a procedure and not worth putting off.

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Profile picture for madturk @madturk

I too had a positive Cologuard test result and had a colonoscopy done this past week. The GI removed a couple polyps and thankfully they were not malignant. They did find that I had diverticulosis which isn’t as severe as diverticulitis. The GI recommended adding more fiber to the diet.
I wasn’t too concerned about the positive test result after everything I read about the 13% false positive rate, but it’s natural to be worried. My advice……don’t even bother with a Cologuard. Just get a regular colonoscopy done. The prep process is much worse than the actual procedure and you are out like a light. No discomfort whatsoever after the procedure. Good Luck 🍀

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I’m happy you had reassuring result!!

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I too had a positive Cologuard test result and had a colonoscopy done this past week. The GI removed a couple polyps and thankfully they were not malignant. They did find that I had diverticulosis which isn’t as severe as diverticulitis. The GI recommended adding more fiber to the diet.
I wasn’t too concerned about the positive test result after everything I read about the 13% false positive rate, but it’s natural to be worried. My advice……don’t even bother with a Cologuard. Just get a regular colonoscopy done. The prep process is much worse than the actual procedure and you are out like a light. No discomfort whatsoever after the procedure. Good Luck 🍀

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Profile picture for myfear1 @myfear1

They're just seems to be no way to not worry when you have a positive color guard test or screening and it seems like forever to wait even though it's 20 days from now it seems like forever probably the biggest fear I've ever had in my life never had a lot of problems so this is one big scare I had my last one two years ago and it was negative so this is a big emotional mental trauma

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I wasn't the normal response to a positive Cologuard test.

I had been having colon problems for several years and doctors couldn't get a handle on it. Had lots of diverticula and alternating diarrhea/constipation and a lot of pain. I knew something was terribly wrong.

So for me getting a positive Cologuard test was a glimmer of hope that they may have hit finally on something. I knew it could be bad news, but likely whatever was found would be treatable.

Second, it is almost always a good thing to know about a potential problem before it gets out of hand and too nasty to be successfully treated. That's what the Cologuard and frequent colonoscopies are intended for.

So yes, it's emotional and scary - I went through that and it's normal.
I also encourage you to consider reframing your thinking based on the information below - as a screening test, a positive Cologuard is only an indicator to do more definitive testing. Knowing the facts can greatly help with managing your feelings.

Hope this all helps.

Information From
https://www.cologuard.com/colon-cancer-screening-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.

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