ABBOTT PARK, Ill., Oct. 12, 2026 — Abbott today announced new real-world evidence showing that completion of multitarget stool DNA (mt-sDNA) screening was associated with approximately 54% lower colorectal cancer incidence and 45% lower odds of death following a colorectal cancer diagnosis. The findings are among 13 abstracts highlighting new colorectal cancer screening research being presented at the American College of Gastroenterology (ACG) 2026 Annual Scientific Meeting, taking place Oct. 9-14 in Nashville.
New real-world evidence examines colorectal cancer incidence and mortality following Cologuard screening
Among the research presented at ACG are two large real-world studies that provide novel data regarding associations between completion of multitarget stool DNA (mt-sDNA) screening and important long-term colorectal cancer outcomes.
In a nationwide cohort of more than 2.5 million average-risk adults, researchers found that completing mt-sDNA screening was associated with an approximately 54% lower adjusted incidence rate of colorectal cancer compared with not completing the test. The association remained consistent across sensitivity analyses.
A separate population-based case-control study of 5,745 people diagnosed with colorectal cancer found that completing mt-sDNA screening within the five years before diagnosis was associated with 45% lower odds of death after diagnosis compared to those who did not complete an mt-sDNA test during that period. The association was observed across all racial and ethnic groups examined.
Together, the findings add to the growing body of real-world evidence examining longer-term outcomes associated with mt-sDNA screening, which has been used to screen for colorectal cancer more than 23 million times since the Cologuard test launched in 2014.1
“In order to achieve real public health benefits, colorectal cancer screening tests must demonstrate both high accuracy and adherence,” said Paul Limburg, M.D., chief medical officer for screening, Abbott Cancer Diagnostics. “The research being presented at ACG helps us better understand what happens beyond the performance of an individual test — including whether people remain up to date with screening and how different strategies may ultimately affect colorectal cancer incidence and mortality. These insights can help us continue improving the screening experience and reach more people with the highest performing option that works for them.”
Additional research emphasizes the value of mt-sDNA screening
The total research presence includes two oral presentations and 11 poster presentations spanning real-world clinical outcomes, sustained screening adherence, comparative effectiveness, test performance, health economics and patient costs. The findings add to the evidence supporting multitarget stool DNA (mt-sDNA) screening with Cologuard® and Cologuard Plus® and provide new insights into how colorectal cancer screening strategies perform in real-world populations.
The abstracts at ACG are as follows:
Sunday, October 11, 2026, from 3:30 to 7:00 PM
Monday, October 12, 2026, from 10:30 AM to 4:15 PM
Tuesday, October 13, 2026, from 10:30 AM to 4:00 PM
Tuesday, October 13, 2026, Plenary Session 2A, 8:30 to 8:50 AM
For more information about Abbott's presence at ACG 2026, click here.
About the Cologuard Plus® Test
Developed in collaboration with Mayo Clinic, the FDA-approved Cologuard Plus® test is a noninvasive colorectal cancer (CRC) screening option for adults aged 45 or older who are at average risk for the disease. The use-at-home test detects novel DNA biomarkers and blood in stool associated with colorectal cancer and advanced precancerous lesions, requiring no special preparation or time off to take the test. Cologuard tests have been used to screen for colon cancer millions of times.
Featuring novel biomarkers, improved laboratory processes and enhanced sample stability, the Cologuard Plus test is FDA-approved for both colon cancer and advanced precancerous lesion detection. By relying exclusively on molecular data from the patient sample, it helps support accurate results and reflects Abbott's commitment to expanding access to colorectal cancer screening.
About Abbott
Abbott is a global healthcare leader that helps people live more fully at all stages of life. Our portfolio of life-changing technologies spans the spectrum of healthcare, with leading businesses and products in diagnostics, medical devices, nutritionals and branded generic medicines. Our 122,000 colleagues serve people in more than 160 countries.
Connect with us at www.abbott.com, and on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X and YouTube.
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Abbott Media: Laura Anderson, (608) 910-0914
Abbott Financial: Michael Comilla, (224) 668-1872 |
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