What are the risks of using Cologuard?

Written by Editorial Team | Last Updated: August 2026

Cologuard, a multi-target stool DNA screening test for colorectal cancer, carries specific clinical and diagnostic risks that patients must understand. A significant concern is the rate of false-positive results, where the test detects abnormal DNA or blood markers despite the patient not having cancer or advanced precancerous polyps, which causes unnecessary anxiety and mandates follow-up diagnostic colonoscopies that carry their own procedural risks. Conversely, the test also carries a false-negative risk, failing to detect existing polyps or cancers and potentially providing a false sense of security that delays proper preventative care. Cologuard is not intended to replace standard screening colonoscopy for high-risk individuals with family histories of colon cancer or inflammatory bowel disease. Additionally, insurance coverage limitations can sometimes leave patients facing unexpected out-of-pocket laboratory expenses if specific policy requirements are not fully satisfied prior to testing.

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