Video: Large, Multi-Center Trial Demonstrates Comparable Accuracy for Virtual Colonoscopy and Standard C...(canprevent colon cancer an opportunity e...),Health

"There are clearly clinical settings in which CT colonography, colonoscopy, or both tests in combination offer distinct advantages. The most important advice we can give to patients is to get screened. How they get screened should be an individual decision based upon discussions between patients and their providers," said gastroenterologist and study author Paul Limburg, M.D., Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn.

Study participants had to be at least 50 years old, scheduled for a screening colonoscopy, and not have received a colonoscopy in the past five years. Each participant had a CT colonography followed by a colonoscopy, with 99 percent of both exams accomplished on the same day. Participants scheduled for a screening colonoscopy were recruited with assistance from gastroenterologists at each participating site. Preparation for CT colonography and colonoscopy both involve taking solutions to clear and cleanse the colon.

Research advocates played an important role in advising the scientists who conducted this study. "As the ACRIN patient advocate who worked with the research team and as a research advocate with C3: Colorectal Cancer Coalition, I am pleased that CT colonography can be added to the list of screening options. Having a method that is accurate and comprehensive while being minimally invasive is needed if we are to succeed in substantially reducing deaths from colorectal cancers," said Pam McAllister, Madison, Wis.

Click here (http://www.acrin.org/TabID/151/Default.aspx )for further information about the ACRIN National CT Colonography Trial.

Click here (http://www.cancer.gov/newscenter/pressreleases/VirtualColonoscopyQA ) to read the Q&A for this trial.

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