American Cancer Society Recommends Virtual C...( New five-year colon screening guidel...),Health

New five-year colon screening guidelines support advanced test offered at

Detroit-based EBT Heart & Body Imaging 'This is a major step forward and will soon provide a clinically proven alternative for millions each year who avoid the unpleasant traditional

colonoscopy.' - Dr. Marc Kahn, EBT Heart & Body Imaging

DETROIT, March 12 /PRNewswire/ -- Detroit area physician Dr. Marc Kahn says the new American Cancer Society (ACS) guidelines announcing the inclusion of virtual colonoscopy (VC) in its updated colon cancer screening guidelines is a major step forward in the fight against colon cancer. March is Colon Cancer Awareness Month.

The ACS guidelines were issued in coordination with the American College of Radiology and the U.S. Multi-Society Task Force on Colorectal Cancer (a group that comprises representatives from the American College of Gastroenterology, American Gastroenterological Association, and American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy). It marks the first-ever joint consensus guidelines for colorectal cancer screening and the first time that virtual colonoscopy has made the ACS's list of acceptable screening tests.

Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in the U.S. and the third most common cancer among men and women in the U.S., according to the ACS. The disease, which mainly strikes patients over 50, claimed an estimated 73,470 deaths in 2007 and produced 145,290 new cases. Yet, only one-third to one-half of the 70 million people eligible for screening in the U.S. ever get tested.

"Tens of thousands die needlessly each year waiting for reimbursement of this valuable procedure," said Kahn, medical director of EBT Heart & Body Imaging in Detroit. "VC has proven itself in multiple studies and is completely justified to be incorporated into routine colon cancer screenings. Hopefully, third party payers, physicians and medical societies will use this information t
'/>"/>