Virtual Colonoscopy: The Most Effective and Simple Method for Colorectal Cancer Screening
Colorectal cancer is one of the most common types of cancer worldwide and is often diagnosed at advanced stages when symptoms appear. For this reason, regular screening tests can help detect cancer in its early stages and increase the chances of successful treatment. In recent years, non-invasive and simple tests have been used as alternatives to traditional colonoscopy.
Different simple tests have been compared in terms of performance. These include stool tests and virtual colonoscopy. The study examined 10 stool DNA tests conducted on 25,132 people, 27 virtual colonoscopy tests performed on 33,493 people, and 88 immunochemical stool tests conducted on 2,355,958 people. The results showed that virtual colonoscopy performed better than other tests, particularly when the polyp size threshold was set at 10 mm or larger in the CTC (Computed Tomographic Colonography) test.
Virtual colonoscopy is a screening method that uses computed tomography (CT) to visualize the colon. Compared to other screening methods, it may have higher detection rates and is non-invasive.
When deciding on colorectal cancer screening tests, a patient’s risk factors, preferences, and the doctor’s recommendations should be considered. However, in this study, virtual colonoscopy is recommended especially for high-risk patients due to its higher detection rates compared to other simple tests. Increasing the use of virtual colonoscopy for colorectal cancer screening is important for the success of early detection and treatment.
Source: AJR Online
