Walgreens Launches Colorectal Cancer Screening Initiative with Cologuard

Partnership with Exact Sciences and Workflow Services aims to increase access to non-invasive screening tests

Mar. 13, 2026 at 7:04am

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Walgreens is teaming up with Exact Sciences and Workflow Services to launch a new initiative that will make it easier for customers to access colorectal cancer screening options, including the Cologuard at-home test. The program is designed to help remove barriers to screening and support earlier detection of colorectal cancer, which is the leading cause of cancer death in adults under 50.

Why it matters

Colorectal cancer is highly preventable if caught early, but more than a third of U.S. adults are not up to date on recommended screenings. By integrating screening options directly into the pharmacy experience, Walgreens aims to increase awareness and make it more convenient for customers to prioritize their health and get tested.

The details

The new initiative will allow eligible Walgreens customers to request the Cologuard at-home stool DNA test, which is an FDA-approved non-invasive screening option for adults 45 and older at average risk. Cologuard requires no special diet, prep, or time off work. Workflow Services, a pharmacy clinical workflow platform, is partnering with Walgreens and Exact Sciences to help enable the nationwide colorectal cancer screening program.

  • The program launches today, March 13, 2026, in recognition of Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month.

The players

Walgreens

A major pharmacy chain with nearly 8,000 stores across the U.S. and Puerto Rico, committed to being a first-choice provider for pharmacy, retail, and health services.

Exact Sciences

A leading provider of cancer screening and diagnostic tests, including the Cologuard at-home colon cancer screening test.

Workflow Services

A pharmacy clinical workflow platform that is partnering with Walgreens and Exact Sciences to integrate the colorectal cancer screening program into pharmacy operations.

Rick Gates

Chief Pharmacy Officer at Walgreens.

Jake Orville

Executive Vice President and General Manager of Screening at Exact Sciences.

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What they’re saying

“As a trusted health partner in the community, we have a unique opportunity to change the trajectory of this disease. We are offering eligible patients' education around their colon cancer screening options and giving them access to take action. Use-at-home stool-based tests like Cologuard allow customers to prioritize their health in a convenient way. By making screening a seamless part of the pharmacy experience, we are helping our patients take proactive, life-saving action.”

— Rick Gates, Chief Pharmacy Officer, Walgreens

“Exact Sciences is proud to support Walgreens in this preventative health initiative to increase screening rates. Cologuard tests have made a significant positive impact on screening uptake in the United States and this effort represents an exciting new way to bring the opportunity to screen to patients via their local pharmacy.”

— Jake Orville, Executive Vice President and General Manager of Screening, Exact Sciences

What’s next

The program is launching nationwide at Walgreens locations, making it easier for eligible customers to request the Cologuard at-home screening test.

The takeaway

This initiative demonstrates how pharmacies can play a pivotal role in improving access to preventative cancer screenings and supporting earlier detection, which is crucial for improving health outcomes. By integrating screening options directly into the pharmacy experience, Walgreens is making it more convenient for customers to prioritize their health and take proactive steps against colorectal cancer.