The American Cancer Society today endorsed computed tomographic colonography, or virtual colonoscopy, as a front-line screening exam for colorectal cancer, as evidenced by the latest published research and preliminary results of recently completed trials. The method was included in the ACS’ new colorectal cancer screening guidelines issued today.
In the first-ever joint consensus guidelines for colorectal cancer screening, released by the ACS, ACR, and the U.S. Multi-Society Task Force on Colorectal Cancer, CTC now is included as an option for colorectal cancer screening and prevention in average-risk adults age 50 years and older and recommended to be received once every five years.
The procedure uses cutting-edge, virtual reality technology to produce three-dimensional “fly through” images of the entire colorectal structure. Sedation is not required for the exam, and patients can resume normal activity immediately after the procedure.
"CT colonography, as a minimally invasive exam, can potentially encourage many more people to choose to be screened for colorectal cancer," said Arl Van Moore Jr., M.D., FACR, chair of the ACR Board of Chancellors. “This could result in early detection of the disease for more patients, increasing the chance of successful treatment, and potentially reduce colorectal cancer deaths nationwide.
The full ACS guidelines can be viewed at http://caonline.amcancersoc.org/
