Information: After Abnormal Colorectal Cancer Screening Result

After an abnormal colorectal cancer test, if it was not a colonoscopy, is to get a colonoscopy for further investigation. A patient navigator or nurse will likely contact you to schedule this procedure, which will be used to remove and test any polyps or suspicious tissue. If cancer is found during the colonoscopy, a biopsy is performed, and the results will determine the next steps, which may include additional imaging tests and a consultation with a surgeon to discuss a treatment plan.

Stool-based tests (at-home tests)

 

Step 1: Follow up with your healthcare provider

  • A nurse or patient navigator will contact you to discuss the abnormal test results, such as a positive FIT or Cologuard test.
  • You will be informed that a colonoscopy is the next recommended step and will be provided with information and a schedule for the procedure.
  • If you have any concerning symptoms, like blood in your stool, abdominal pain, or changes in bowel habits, it’s important to mention them to your provider immediately.

 

Step 2: Get a colonoscopy (if you had a different type of screening test)

  • A colonoscopy is used to find the cause of the abnormal result, whether it’s a precancerous polyp, cancer, or another issue like hemorrhoids
  • During the procedure, a doctor will use a thin, flexible tool to examine the entire colon.
  • If polyps or suspicious tissue are found, they can be removed during the colonoscopy and sent to a lab for testing.

 

Step 3: Await biopsy results and undergo further testing

  • After the colonoscopy, the tissue samples will be sent for a biopsy.
  • It can take about a week to get the final results.
  • Based on the biopsy, your provider will determine the next steps, which could include:
    • More frequent colonoscopies: If you had polyps removed, you may need follow-up colonoscopies to monitor the area. [
    • Additional imaging: If cancer is found, you may need further imaging tests to see if it has spread to other parts of the body.
    • Treatment planning: A care team will discuss a treatment plan, which may involve surgery, chemotherapy, or other therapies.

The information is adapted from National Comprehensive Cancer Network. (2025). NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology: Colorectal Cancer Screning and Diagnosis (Version 2.2025). Available at https://www.nccn.org/ text generated by Gemini.” Gemini, Google, 19 Nov 2025 and from OpenAI on 11/19/2025 using “what happens after abnormal colorectal cancer screening result in plain language”

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