Here are two facts you might not know about colon cancer:
1) Colon cancer is the 4th most common form of cancer in the US.
2) According to recent studies, about 45% of colon cancers are preventable.
This means that by taking actions that are 100% within our own control, we can greatly reduce our own risk of colon cancer. Many people shy away from traditional colonoscopy procedures because of embarrassment or concern about discomfort, and put themselves at risk by refusing these potentially life-saving scans. But a new option is available to patients seeking the best of both worlds: the Virtual Colonoscopy. This scan represents reduced discomfort and peace of mind when it comes to cancer detection.
Although it is a simpler procedure, a virtual colonoscopy is just as capable of detecting precancerous polyps as the traditional procedure. The virtual colonoscopy is most often performed with a CT scan. During the procedure, the patient lies on a table that moves through the CT scanner. The scanner takes several images and puts them together to form a computerized image of the patient's large intestine. The entire procedure takes just ten to twenty minutes, and no anesthesia is required—so patients are able to immediately resume their normal daily activities following the test.
Regular colonoscopies are an important tool in detecting cancer in the earliest stages. When detected early, colorectal cancers can often be successfully treated. Thanks to newer medical technology such as the virtual colonoscopy, patients can undergo this potentially life-saving diagnostic procedure more comfortably than ever before. To learn more or schedule an appointment, contact your local facility for additional information.
