Cologuard is a convenient, non-invasive test that looks for signs of colorectal cancer in a stool sample. It is an OK option for people who absolutely don't want to have a colonoscopy and is better than not being screened at all. Cologuard is quite good at detecting colorectal cancer, detecting about 9 out of 10 cancers. However it is MUCH LESS EFFECTIVE at finding pre-cancerous polyps, which are growths that can slowly turn into cancer. A negative Cologuard test therefore, does not mean that there are no precancerous polyps in the colon. Also, Cologuard is not appropriate for patients with family history of colorectal cancer, Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) and other genetic conditions that predispose to developing colorectal cancer.
The BIGGEST ADVANTAGE OF COLONOSCOPY is that it can both find AND prevent cancer. During a colonoscopy, the doctor directly examines the lining of the entire colon and can find polyps before they become cancer. If a polyp is found, it can usually be removed during the same procedure (threfore preventing progression to cancer). Cologuard cannot do this. Cologuard cannot see or remove a polyp. This is why colonoscopy is considered the best & most complete test for preventing colorectal cancer.
