American Cancer Society Adds Virtual Colonoscopy to Screening Recommendations

Since 2003, the American Cancer Society has recognized virtual colonoscopy, or CT colonography, as a potential tool for colorectal cancer screening, but did not feel there was sufficient evidence to add it to colorectal cancer screening guidelines. However, new guidelines from the society have included virtual colonoscopy as a screening tool, along with conventional colonoscopy, flexible sigmoidoscopy, double contrast barium enema and fecal occult blood testing.

Timing of various screening tests varies for colorectal cancer screening, which is recommended for people age beginning at age 50 if they are at average risk for colorectal cancer. For example, colonoscopy generally is recommended every 10 years. Virtual colonoscopy is recommended every five years. The test is one of several that the society has determined can find polyps and cancer. It is less invasive than conventional colonoscopy. The American Cancer Society states that the new guidelines emphasize quality and only screening tests shown in medical literature to detect at least one half of all cancers present at time of testing have been considered for the guidelines.

Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer detected among men and women in the United States. Mortality rates from the disease have declined in recent years, but early detection from screening adherence could lower deaths from the disease further. The new screening guidelines were developed by the American Cancer Society experts with a special multisociety task force on colorectal cancer and the American College of Radiology. The new guidelines are published in the May-June 2008 issue of the American Cancer Society's journal CA-A Cancer Journal for Clinicians.