Medically reviewed by Jillian Foglesong Stabile, MD, FAAFP, DABOM on March 19, 2026. To give you technically accurate, evidence-based information, content published on the Everlywell blog is reviewed by credentialed professionals with expertise in medical and bioscience fields.
Understanding Your Screening Result
Once you’ve gotten your results, the next steps after cancer screening include understanding them so that you can take action. Cancer screening tests such as mammograms, colonoscopies, and Pap smears are used to help detect cancer at an early stage before symptoms appear.[1]
However, it’s important to note that a positive screening test does not automatically mean that you have cancer.[2] A positive result means that additional testing is needed to determine whether cancer is present. At the same time, a negative result means that there are no signs of that particular cancer—but it does not guarantee the absence of cancer.
Once you get your results, the next step is to talk with your healthcare provider. They can help you understand what your results mean and what additional testing may be needed.
Immediate Steps to Take After a Positive Cancer Screening Result
A positive result from a cancer screening test can be unsettling and raise a lot of questions. While it may feel alarming, it’s important to know that a positive result doesn’t confirm a diagnosis—it simply means additional testing is needed to better understand what’s going on.
Schedule a follow-up appointment with your healthcare provider to discuss next steps. Additional testing may include imaging tests, biopsies, or further procedures such as a colonoscopy.[3]
While waiting for your appointment, consider taking these steps:
- Make a list of questions to bring to your appointment
- Write down your medical history and gather family health history
- Avoid making major lifestyle changes or starting treatments before speaking with your provider
- Bring a friend or family member for support and to help you remember key information
The Diagnostic Process
Your healthcare provider will review your medical history, family history, and risk factors to determine the most appropriate diagnostic tests. These may include X-rays, CT scans, MRIs, ultrasounds, blood tests, or biopsies.[4]
A biopsy is often considered the gold standard for diagnosing cancer. This involves removing a small sample of tissue and examining it under a microscope to determine whether cancer cells are present.
The diagnostic process can take days, weeks, or sometimes longer, depending on the complexity of testing and whether specialist input is needed. Your healthcare team will guide you through each step and help support you during this time.
What if Cancer Is Diagnosed?
If cancer is diagnosed, it’s normal to experience a range of emotions, including fear, anger, shock, and uncertainty. The next step is typically determining the stage of the cancer and building a treatment plan.
Your healthcare team may expand to include specialists such as oncologists and surgeons. They will help you understand whether the cancer has spread and what treatment options are available, including the risks and benefits of each.
To help navigate this process:
- Bring a trusted friend or family member to appointments
- Consider getting a second opinion for added confidence in your care plan
- Explore support groups or counseling for emotional support
Cancer treatment has advanced significantly, and outcomes continue to improve. Staying informed and involved in your care can help you feel more in control.
What if Cancer Is Not Diagnosed?
If your screening test is positive but follow-up testing does not confirm cancer, this is known as a false positive. While this can bring relief, it’s also normal to feel lingering uncertainty.
Even with negative follow-up results, continuing routine screening is important—especially if you have higher risk factors such as family history or ongoing symptoms.
This can also be an opportunity to talk with your healthcare provider about ways to reduce your cancer risk, such as:
- Quitting smoking or avoiding tobacco exposure
- Improving diet and nutrition (for example, increasing fruits, vegetables, and fiber while limiting processed foods)
- Increasing physical activity and maintaining a healthy weight
- Limiting alcohol consumption
- Staying up to date on recommended cancer screenings based on your age and risk factors
- Discussing your family history to better understand any genetic risk
- Considering recommended vaccinations, such as HPV or hepatitis B, when appropriate
If concerns persist, consider discussing them with your provider or seeking a second opinion.
Learn More About Cancer Screening Options with Everlywell
Want to learn more about cancer screening and early detection? Everlywell offers a range of options to support your health journey.
The Galleri® Multi-Cancer Early Detection Test is a cancer screening test that can detect signals associated with more than 50 types of cancer—often before symptoms appear. We also offer fecal immunochemical testing (FIT) for colon cancer screening.
In addition, Everlywell provides access to virtual care visits with licensed healthcare providers who can answer questions and help guide your next steps based on your individual health profile.
References
- Cancer screening tests. CDC. Published January 16, 2025. Accessed February 13, 2026. https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/prevention/screening.html
- American Cancer Society Position Statement on the Elimination of Patient Cost-Sharing Associated with Cancer Screening and Follow-up Testing. American Cancer Society. Accessed February 13, 2026. https://www.cancer.org/health-care-professionals/american-cancer-society-prevention-early-detection-guidelines/overview/acs-position-on-cost-sharing-for-screening-and-follow-up.html
- Doubeni CA, Gabler NB, Wheeler CM, et al. Timely follow-up of positive cancer screening results: A systematic review. CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians. 2018;68(3):199-216. doi:10.3322/caac.21452. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5980732/
- Taylor CD, Fendrick AM, Dossett LA. Redefining Cancer Screening Coverage—Screening to Diagnosis. JAMA Health Forum. 2024;5(9):e242814. doi:10.1001/jamahealthforum.2024.2814. https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama-health-forum/fullarticle/282397
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