The American Cancer Society's top news story (www.cancer.org) discusses the newest line of defense (or, rather prevention) for colon cancer.
Virtual colonoscopy, along with a DNA stool test, is the newest recommendation, and is also less invasive. However... they caution that the more invasive the test (read: more uncomfortable), the better the test is at detecting polyps.
The virtual colonoscopy is basically a CT scan that uses X-ray images of your colon to detect polyps, and is being provided as another option of tests, in hopes that people will be more likely to be screened for colon polyps and colon cancer (not scared away from other, more invasive tests, like colonoscopy).
ACS provides a list of optional screening tests, along with the pros/cons of each, and how to prepare for each test. Talk with your doctor after reading about each option, and it's likely that your family history and other risk factors will determine which test is right for you.
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The American Cancer Society's top news story (www.cancer.org) discusses the newest line of defense (or, rather prevention) for colon cancer.
Virtual colonoscopy, along with a DNA stool test, is the newest recommendation, and is also less invasive. However... they caution that the more invasive the test (read: more uncomfortable), the better the test is at detecting polyps.
The virtual colonoscopy is basically a CT scan that uses X-ray images of your colon to detect polyps, and is being provided as another option of tests, in hopes that people will be more likely to be screened for colon polyps and colon cancer (not scared away from other, more invasive tests, like colonoscopy).
ACS provides a list of optional screening tests, along with the pros/cons of each, and how to prepare for each test. Talk with your doctor after reading about each option, and it's likely that your family history and other risk factors will determine which test is right for you.
March 8, 2008 - 2:00pmThis Comment
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