ABBOTT PARK, Ill., May 27, 2026
Abbott has announced that the updated American Cancer Society (ACS) colorectal cancer screening guidelines continue to recognize Cologuard® and Cologuard Plus® as preferred noninvasive screening options for adults aged 45 years and older who are at average risk for colorectal cancer (CRC). The latest guideline update further reinforces Abbott’s expanding position in noninvasive cancer diagnostics and supports the company’s broader strategy to improve colorectal cancer screening participation across the United States through both stool-based and emerging blood-based screening technologies.
According to Abbott, the updated ACS recommendations reaffirm the clinical value of Cologuard and Cologuard Plus as first-line noninvasive screening tests capable of detecting colorectal cancer and precancerous lesions at earlier stages when intervention is most effective. Both tests are recommended at three-year screening intervals and are supported by U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommendations. The company stated that the latest guideline update reflects growing recognition of noninvasive screening approaches that combine strong diagnostic performance with higher patient participation and adherence.
Abbott highlighted that up to 60 million eligible Americans remain unscreened for colorectal cancer despite the disease being highly treatable when detected early. Medical experts continue emphasizing that broader access to convenient, noninvasive screening tools may significantly improve early diagnosis rates and reduce colorectal cancer mortality nationwide.
Cologuard Plus Demonstrates Enhanced Screening Performance
The company reported that Cologuard Plus demonstrated the ability to detect 95% of colorectal cancers while maintaining 94% specificity when age-weighted to the U.S. screening population. Abbott stated that the test was specifically designed to improve diagnostic confidence while reducing unnecessary follow-up colonoscopies caused by false-positive results. Both Cologuard and Cologuard Plus detect molecular DNA markers and blood in stool associated with colorectal cancer and precancerous lesions, enabling patients to complete screening at home without special preparation or invasive procedures.
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Cologuard Plus incorporates novel biomarkers, enhanced laboratory processes, and improved sample stability technologies intended to strengthen overall diagnostic performance. Abbott noted that the test is currently the only noninvasive screening test approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for detection of both colorectal cancer and precancerous lesions. The company also emphasized that both Cologuard products are included in major healthcare quality measures such as HEDIS and Stars, supporting healthcare provider and payer quality incentive programs.
Dr. Xavier Llor, professor of medicine and director of the Gastrointestinal and Pancreatic Cancer Prevention Program at Yale School of Medicine, stated that screening tools such as Cologuard and Cologuard Plus provide additional effective options capable of addressing the diverse preferences and needs of patients. He noted that improving access to high-performing screening tools may significantly impact colorectal cancer incidence and mortality rates in the United States.
Abbott Expands Noninvasive Cancer Screening Portfolio
Abbott also confirmed plans to expand its colorectal cancer screening portfolio through a commercialization agreement involving a blood-based screening test currently being developed by Freenome, pending FDA approval. Upon approval, Abbott intends to integrate the blood-based assay into its noninvasive screening infrastructure while continuing to position Cologuard tests as preferred first-line screening options.
The company stated that both stool-based and future blood-based screening solutions will leverage Abbott’s Nexus platform, a digital infrastructure designed to help healthcare providers identify patients overdue for colorectal cancer screening and improve long-term adherence rates. Industry analysts believe integrated screening platforms combining multiple testing modalities may play a critical role in increasing participation among individuals reluctant to undergo colonoscopy or stool-based screening.
Abbott reported that Cologuard tests have already been used more than 23 million times since initial launch and contributed significantly to nationwide increases in colorectal cancer screening participation between 2018 and 2021. Real-world evidence studies cited by the company demonstrated strong adherence rates, high patient satisfaction, and robust follow-up colonoscopy completion when clinically indicated.
Noninvasive Diagnostics Continue Transforming Cancer Screening
The updated ACS guideline reflects broader healthcare trends favoring earlier cancer detection through accessible and patient-friendly diagnostic technologies. Colorectal cancer remains one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths worldwide, but early-stage disease is highly treatable and often preventable through removal of precancerous lesions during follow-up colonoscopy.
Industry experts believe noninvasive molecular diagnostics may continue reshaping future cancer screening strategies by improving patient participation, reducing healthcare system burden, and enabling earlier disease detection. Abbott’s expanding presence across stool-based and blood-based colorectal cancer screening positions the company among the leading healthcare organizations driving innovation within preventive oncology diagnostics.
Source: Abbott press release
