Results

Insights you can act on

Hand holding a smartphone displaying a notification that a Cancerguard result is ready to view.

Ready in about 2 weeks

Less time spent waiting or worrying about the test

Action-oriented results

Feel confident about the path forward

Follow-up support

Personalized guidance from a nurse or medical professional after a positive result

Understanding your results

It’s important to remember the Cancerguard test is designed to find cancer signals, not diagnose the cancer itself. That means you'll receive a simple "positive" or "negative" result with clear next steps if more testing is needed. 
Cancerguard test result cards showing example of negative cancer signal findings.
Cancerguard test result cards showing example of positive cancer signal findings.

What does a negative result mean?

A negative result, which is by far the most common, means your blood sample was analyzed for DNA and protein biomarker classes associated with cancer, and no cancer signal was detected. This is reassuring, but it does not completely rule out cancer. False negatives can occur, which means you should remain vigilant and keep up with all recommended screenings.1

Recommended next steps:

  • Continue routine cancer screenings recommended by your doctor such as colonoscopies and mammograms
  • Stay on top of your health and tell your doctor about any new symptoms or concerns
  • Consider making the Cancerguard test part of your annual routine care

What does a positive result mean?

A positive result means your blood sample was analyzed for DNA and protein biomarker classes associated with cancer, and a cancer signal was detected. This is not a cancer diagnosis, but it does mean more testing is needed. We recommend comprehensive imaging as the next step because it can provide answers more quickly.2,3

Recommended next steps:

  • Discuss your results with your doctor to make a plan
  • Complete recommended testing, which may include CT imaging of the neck, chest, abdomen, and pelvis4
  • If you need any support, reach out to our Care Navigation team at +1 844-870-8870 — available Monday to Friday 6 AM to 7 PM CT
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Imaging reimbursement
If your doctor orders imaging tests, you may qualify for up to $6,000 in reimbursement for non-covered costs.*
Healthcare professional guides a patient through follow-up care information on a tablet.

Support when you need it most

We understand receiving a positive result can feel overwhelming. That’s why a member of our Care Navigation team will be there for you in the days and months ahead.
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Personalized support

  • Access to a nurse or other medical professional for help understanding your result and what comes next
  • Helping to reduce challenges to get care
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Scheduling coordination

  • Identifying potential imaging locations
  • Helping schedule recommended imaging appointments
  • Sharing results with your primary care provider or specialists at your request
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Cost and coverage guidance

  • Obtaining imaging costs estimates
  • Sharing insurance and coverage considerations
  • Providing eligibility details about our imaging reimbursement program

A conversation with a real patient

As an Exact Sciences employee, Allison Barry was one of the first to take the Cancerguard test. Every patient’s journey is unique, but her story highlights how quickly follow-up care can move with the right coordination and support.
A close up of Allison Barry smiling from a hospital bed beside her husband.
Allison and her husband, Chris, during treatment
The positive result report was clear and easy to understand. I uploaded it directly to my patient portal before my follow-up appointment with my doctor, which made the next steps feel much more manageable.

My doctor quickly ordered a series of CT scans, and the appointments were scheduled right away.

One of those scans revealed a 22-centimeter tumor that was likely malignant. Soon after, I met with an oncologist and scheduled surgery.

My Care Navigator, who was a nurse, supported me from the moment I received my positive result.

She helped coordinate appointments, answer insurance questions, and guide me through the process, but just as importantly, she checked in on my emotional well-being during an incredibly overwhelming time.

From the day I received my positive Cancerguard result to the day I was declared cancer-free was only six weeks. Looking back, it’s remarkable how quickly everything progressed.

More patient reviews

Peace of mind is closer than you think

HSA/FSA eligible