The Medical Imaging & Technology Alliance (MITA) has released a statement endorsing the United States Preventive Services Task Force’s (USPSTF) decision to include computed tomography (CT) colonography in its draft research plan on colorectal cancer screening.
“We are pleased that USPSTF has initiated a systematic review of this demonstrated life- and cost-saving imaging technology,” said Gail Rodriguez, executive director of MITA. “An abundance of evidence confirms that CT colonography is a safe, cost-effective diagnostic tool, particularly for patients who are resistant to traditional, optical colonoscopy. The release of this draft research plan is an essential first step toward expanding Medicare beneficiary access to early detection and treatment and ultimately turning more colon cancer patients into survivors.”
According to the American Cancer Society, colon cancer is the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States. CT colonography uses low-dose X-rays to produce a moving image of the colon, and is less invasive than traditional methods. For more information, visit MITA.
