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Colon Cancer Awareness
Month: What to Know about Getting Tested
Special to The
Truth
March is Colon Cancer
Awareness Month, and the perfect time to think about colon
health.
Unfortunately, less than half
of people aged 50 and older get tested for colon cancer. But
early detection can save lives. Colorectal cancer is the
third most commonly diagnosed cancer and the second leading
cause of cancer death in the US, yet it has a 90 percent
cure rate when detected early, according to the American
Cancer Society (ACS).
“We say the best screening is
the one that actually gets done,” says Dr. Judy Yee,
professor and vice chair of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging
at University of California, San Francisco.
CT Colonography (CTC) or
“virtual colonoscopy” -- a less invasive, safe and
sedation-free alternative to the colonoscopy -- is
increasing colorectal screening rates. CTC uses high-tech,
low-dose X-rays to produce moving images of the colon, which
doctors examine to detect colorectal cancer and precancerous
polyps.
If you’re interested in
avoiding a colonoscopy, but want to get the screening needed
to verify your colorectal health, consider the following
about CTC, an ACS recommended screening test:
• Comprehensiveness: The exam
can detect abnormalities outside of the colon, including
early-stage cancers in the liver, kidney and lungs, and can
pinpoint potentially dangerous conditions, like aneurysms.
In this way, it serves as two or even more detection tests
in one.
• Accuracy: CTC is just as
accurate as a colonoscopy for detecting clinically
significant polyps and cancers; however, you don’t have to
undergo sedation. There’s no need to take time off work or
have someone drive you from the hospital.
• Affordability: This exam
costs a fraction of the price of a standard colonoscopy and
is covered by several major insurers. Your insurance company
can verify whether CTC is covered under your plan.
• Non-Invasive: While a
colonoscopy is the standard procedure, there is a small risk
of serious complications associated with the test. However,
CTC is non-invasive, as no needles or scopes enter the body.
Only a small tube is placed in the bottom of the colon to
help distend the colon for viewing.
• Improved Screening Rates:
Availability of CTC screening significantly boosts
colorectal cancer screening rates, according to studies at
National Military Medical Centers in Bethesda, MD, and San
Diego.
The US Preventive Services
Task Force recently released draft recommendations naming
CTC as an “alternative screening test,” and Medicare is
currently reviewing coverage of this test in order to
provide seniors with a lifesaving alternative.
Bottom line: not enough
people are getting screened for colon cancer. Whatever
screening alternative you prefer, make sure you schedule
this vital appointment and encourage loved ones to do the
same.
Courtesy: StatePoint
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