Q. What are the current recommendations for colon cancer screening?

A . Colon Cancer is a common type of cancer. It is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in men and women combined. There are studies to show that screening can reduce the risk of dying from colon cancer by early detection and treatment.

Alternative: Provide an alternative for those patients that are unable to go through conventional colonoscopy or at their choice prefer a non invasive and effective method for colon cancer detection. It is recommended for both women and men age 50, unless other risk factors indicate screening at a younger age. See this article by CBS News: Virtual Colonoscopy The Real Deal.

Virtual Colonoscopy is an accurate, more tolerable and fast screening process for colon cancer that does not require the passage of an endoscope through the colon. Virtual Colonoscopy is considered to be safe, fast and does not require sedatives or anesthesia. Learn more from Journal Watch Gastroenterology.

Virtual colonoscopy is done in about 10 to 15 minutes with a 3-D Multi-Slice CT scanner, with no injections or sedatives. A small catheter is inserted into the rectum to pump in air or CO2 in order to improve the visualization of polyps or potentially pre-cancerous lesions. Immediately after the Exam, the patient is able to return home or to work. Read Colonoscopy Going 3D from CBS News.

A recent study evaluated the performance characteristics of computed tomographic (CT) virtual colonoscopy for the detection of colorectal cancer in an average-risk screening population. “ Computed Tomographic Virtual Colonoscopy to Screen for Colorectal Neoplasia in Asymptomatic Adults”. Read more information from the New England Journal of Medicine.

Virtual Colonoscopy provides a complete examination (both inside and outside) of the entire colon. Virtual Colonoscopy provides a complete 3-dimensional evaluation of the colon whereas traditional colonoscopy is limited to the inside surface.

Computerized Virtual Colonoscopy also examines the other vital structures in the abdomen and pelvis, which allows problems such as aneurysms, tumors or degenerative changes to be identified.

The preparation for Virtual Colonoscopy is simple. A special diet needs to be followed for the two days prior to the examination. The night before, a mild laxative is taken to help cleanse the colon. The directions and preparation are easy to follow.

If you have further questions about Virtual Colonoscopy or other Prevenium health screenings, or would like to schedule your appointment, please call us toll free at
1-877-SCAN 4 ME (1-877-722-6463)

Facts about Colon Cancer

• Colon cancer is the second most common cause of cancer-related death in the United States
• Colon cancer can be prevented if precursor polyps are discovered and removed early in their course.
• Over 60,000 Americans die from colon cancer every year
• Colon cancer is one of the most treatable forms of cancer—if caught early
• Unfortunately, many patients at greatest risk of developing colorectal cancer still remain largely under screened.
• Only 1 in 3 cases of colon cancer is detected at an early stage, before the cancer has the chance to spread.

The following are considered elevated risk factors

• Women or men over age 50
• Individuals over age 30 with a family history of colon cancer or colon disease
• Tobacco use history
• History of inflammatory bowel disease, like ulcerative colitis
• Genetic or Family history and predisposition. (Individuals whose close relatives have had colorectal cancer have a higher incidence. Also, there are a number of genetic disorders which can predispose a person to develop colorectal cancer.)
• Obesity
• Poor diet history (lacking vegetables or fruits and “junk” food consumption, high intakes of meat and fat.)
• Sedentary Lifestyle (People with very low levels of physical activity)