Not All False-Positive Stool DNA Tests Should be Dismissed (GI & Endoscopy News)

A positive Cologuard test followed by a negative colonoscopy may not always mark the end of the diagnostic journey. Researchers at DDW 2026 reported that some patients with false-positive multitarget stool DNA tests experienced a higher incidence of extracolonic aerodigestive cancers over long-term follow-up, challenging the assumption that no further workup is needed. Although the findings require additional validation, they could influence future screening strategies and post-test management for patients with unexplained positive results.