Math Arguments

False Negatives and Cancer

In the ad voiceover, Cologuard claims it finds 92% of colon cancers. The ad also provides a generously large and very legible banner stating that false positives and false negative results can occur.




The next banner gives more detail.




If your grandparent gets a "Yes" response, what is the probability that they do have colon cancer?

If they get a "No", what are the chances they don't have it?

If you've never paid much attention to advertisements before, this is pretty amazing. Usually the fine print is illegible even on a 62" ultra hi-definition TV paused at just the right moment.

So ... thank you Cologuard for being honest and up-front.