Virtual colonoscopy now available

Wednesday, 17 June 2009 08:28

Virtual colonoscopies which are carried out using x-rays via a camera in the colon, are now able to detect tumours virtually as well as standard colonoscopies. The process uses computed tomography scans and according to Dr Daniele Regge of the Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment in Turin, Italy, is ideal for those embarrassed or afraid of the standard procedure.

After lung cancer, colon cancer is the second-biggest cancer killer but if caught early, can be treated. The virtual colonoscopy comprises a camera inserted into the rectum which can spot and allow the removal of polyps to be tested for cancer.

In the United states, health experts are calling for regular colonoscopies for people age 50 and above and regular colonscopies have helped to reduce deaths from colon cancer to under 50,000 people in the US from around 52,000 in 2007.

However, authorities have said that only around half of people get the procedure done because of the stigma of embarrassment associated with it. Now the virtual colonoscopy offers a viable and less intrusive alternative to those who are most at risk. The hope is that the procedure will catch on around the rest of the world and more lives will be saved.

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