Why is Colon Cancer Screening Important?
Colorectal cancer is a leading cause of cancer-related death in the United States. Colon cancer can be prevented if polyps are discovered and removed early. Several government agencies and the American Cancer Society recommend that patients undergo a procedure that allows visualization of the entire colon at age 50 and then every five to ten years, depending on an individual’s specific medical and family history. While optical colonoscopy is still the “gold standard” for colon cancer screening, only approximately 50% of Americans who should have a colonoscopy actually do. For patients unable or unwilling to have a colonoscopy, virtual colonography offers an excellent alternative. Virtual Colonography is a CT scanning method that allows physicians to create 3-dimensional views of the inside of the colon to screen for early signs of colon cancer. Like traditional (optical) colonoscopy, the colon must be cleaned-out using a 24-hour pre-procedure bowel “prep.” However, unlike optical colon
