Colon cancer is the most common form of cancer in the developed world, which has a risk that is further perpetuated by the fact that roughly 1 in 3 adults (ages 50-75) fail to participate in any form of detection or screening.1 In a traditional colonoscopy, a camera is inserted into the colon via the anus and the colon is examined for the presence of polyps or other abnormalities (lesions). Virtual colonoscopy uses a computed tomography (CT) machine to take many X-rays of the colon. This process is beneficial because it allows for colorectal cancer detection through a non-invasive process, which in turn promotes the benefits of screening. It is also important to note that if anything is found via colonography, physicians will recommend a colonoscopy as a follow-up. However, a colonography provides an acceptable level of screening protection. A comparison study found similar detection rates between computerized and normal colonoscopy.2
Get more details on virtual colonoscopy in the colonoscopy section.
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