In February of 2000, President Clinton officially dedicated March as National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. It’s a month that’s near and dear to our hearts, and one that provides a great platform for educating our patients and others about the severity of colorectal cancer, the importance of early detection, and the types of colorectal cancer screening tests available. As we wrap up Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, we want to take some time to talk about one of the newer and more innovative screening options available for patients: virtual CT colonography.
What Is A CT Colonography?
A CT colonography is a noninvasive imaging procedure that utilizes low dose CT scanning to obtain an interior view of the patient’s colon. Unlike traditional colonoscopy, which requires a scope to be inserted into the patient’s rectum and advanced through their colon, virtual colonoscopy uses CT technology to produce hundreds of cross-sectional images of the patient’s abdominal organs. These images are combined and digitally manipulated to create a detailed 3D view of the patient’s colon and rectum, which can then be examined for polyps or other signs of colorectal cancer. It’s a great alternative to more traditional and invasive screening methods for colorectal cancer, such as a colonoscopy.
Why Screening Matters
One of the major reasons to perform a CT colonography is to screen patients for polyps or cancers. CT colonography allows doctors to identify polyps and other abnormalities in their earliest stages, so they can be removed before cancer has a chance to develop. This early detection through screening is incredibly important because it gives patients the best chance at fighting (and surviving) cancer. This is especially true in patients with colorectal cancer, which has a much higher survival rate the earlier the cancer is detected. In fact, it is estimated that approximately 60% of colorectal cancer deaths could have been prevented by regular screenings and early detection.
How Often Do I Need a CT Colonography?
How early you should start getting screened and how frequently you should be screened for colorectal cancer can vary based on a number of different factors such as the type of screening test you’re undergoing and whether or not you’re considered high risk for developing the condition. In general, however, the American Cancer Society recommends that average risk individuals start regular screening for colorectal cancer at the age of 45. If CT colonography is your screening test of choice, the recommendation is to get a CT colonography once every 5 years.
Whether you’re considered high-risk for developing colorectal cancer or not, it is crucial that you adhere to your doctor’s screening recommendations. If you’re reaching that age where regular screenings are required, talk to your doctor about whether CT colonography might be right for you. CT colonography is an incredibly innovative screening tool for colorectal cancer, and it could make the difference between an early diagnosis and one that’s too late.