Clearing up cancer screening confusion Nov 21, 2009
Cancer Society and other major groups: Start screening at 50 with one of these tests: colonoscopy every 10 years; a sigmoidoscopy of the lower colon every five years; CT colonography or "virtual colonoscopy" every five years; barium enema every five years, stool blood test annually; stool DNA test, no interval given. Task force: Screen from age 50 to 75 with one of three tests: colonoscopy every 10 years; a sigmoidoscopy every five years, combined with a stool blood test every three years; a... (MSNBC -- Health)
A look inside the task force Nov 20, 2009
The task force also does not recommend certain procedures such as CT colonography, while the American Cancer Society does. Dr. Kathie-Ann Joseph, a surgeon at Columbia University Medical Center in New York, criticized the task force for not coming out with any public education to explain to women how they should interpret conflicting messages about mammograms. (CNN)
Colon Cancer Screening More Effective Earlier In Day, Study Finds Nov 11, 2009
3, 2008) Polypectomy (the surgical removal of polyps by colonoscopy) of small polyps found during CT colonography is costly and unnecessary according to a new. (Oct. (Science Daily)
High-definition Colonoscopy Detects More Polyps, Researchers Say Nov 1, 2009
3, 2008) Polypectomy (the surgical removal of polyps by colonoscopy) of small polyps found during CT colonography is costly and unnecessary according to a new ... 30, 2009) CT colonography allows radiologists to predict, with a high degree of confidence, whether or not a polyp needs to be evaluated through colonoscopy or removed through polypectomy, according to a study. (Science Daily)
Novel Drug Screening Method: Informative Swellings Oct 12, 2009
23, 2009) CT colonography, which is a highly effective colorectal screening test, is feasible in rural health centers with the help of teleradiology, according to a study performed at the University of Arizona. (Dec. (Science Daily)
The News in Medical Tests Oct 4, 2009
Virtual Colonoscopy Also known as CT colonography, this test uses X-rays to produce images of the colon and any polyps growing there. Patients perform the same bowel clean-out required with a traditional colonoscopy, but the test is quicker and doesn t involve a scope or sedation. (Boston Globe)
Less Invasive CT-scan Based Colorectal Cancer Screening Method Shows Good Accuracy Jun 19, 2009
CT colonography is a procedure in which a detailed picture of the colon is created by an x-ray machine linked to a computer ... "However, adherence to follow-up colonoscopy in these individuals is suboptimal. Being less invasive and thus more tolerable, CT colonography may increase acceptability and adherence to screening, but little information is available on its performance," the authors write ... Daniele Regge, M.D., of the Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment, Candiolo, Turin, Italy,... (Science Daily)
For Some, Virtual Colonoscopy May Be Just as Good Jun 18, 2009
TUESDAY, June 16 (HealthDay News) - CT colonography, a less invasive option to colonoscopy, is an effective way to detect colon cancer in people who have an elevated risk of the disease because of family history or a personal history of colon polyps, new research has found. However, the study, in the June 17 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association, reports that CT colonography (also known as "virtual colonoscopy") is less effective at correctly identifying colon cancers in... (MEDLINEplus)
Study: Virtual colonoscopy an effective option Jun 18, 2009
"CT colonography detected 39 of 41 participants with cancer, including all 3 with diameters of 6 to 9 mm," they wrote ... New Hampshire-based iCAD Inc is one company providing computer-aided detection or CT colonography equipment. (MSNBC -- Health)
Colon Cancer Screening Technique Shows Continued Promise In New Study Jun 16, 2009
30, 2009) CT colonography allows radiologists to predict, with a high degree of confidence, whether or not a polyp needs to be evaluated through colonoscopy or removed through polypectomy, according to a study. (Nov. (Science Daily)
Improved DNA Stool Test Could Detect Digestive Cancers In Multiple Organs Jun 3, 2009
In January 2009 (Gastroenterology 2009;136:459-70), Mayo researchers published some technical improvements that nearly doubled the sensitivity of stool DNA testing for detecting premalignant polyps and increased cancer detection to about 90 percent, which is the approximate rate of detection observed for CT colonography. Researchers hope that the next generation tests will have significant improvements in accuracy, processing speed, ease of patient use and affordability. (Science Daily)
Virtual colonoscopy may be future May 31, 2009
The Center for Primary Care is among the first in the area to offer the virtual colonoscopy, also called CT colonography, which uses CT images reconstructed with special software to give an inside view of the colon ... "Overall, when considering potential benefits and potential harms, there is insufficient evidence to conclude that the use of CT colonography improves health outcomes in Medicare beneficiaries," the agency concluded ... It cited a lack of data on improved survival using CT... (The Augusta Chronicle)
Point to add to pros, cons of colon test May 16, 2009
RE "" (Op-ed, May 8): In his otherwise thorough review of the pros and cons of CT colonography, or CTC (otherwise known as virtual colonoscopy), as compared to optical colonoscopy, and his timely plea for the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to cover payment for CTC, Dr. Michael Zalis omitted what I believe is a significantly relevant negative factor for the procedure. Specifically, if a polyp or suspicious area is seen during a CTC, which in one recent study occurred in more than 7... (Boston Globe -- Editorial)
Medicare Will Not Pay for "Virtual" Colonoscopy May 14, 2009
"Evidence is inadequate to conclude" that virtual colonoscopies, also known as CT colonography, are an appropriate colorectal cancer screening test for Medicare patients, the Centers for Medicare aid Services (CMS) said on Tuesday in a statement on its website ... New Hampshire-based iCAD Inc is one company providing computer-aided detection or CT colonography equipment. (MEDLINEplus)
Medicare won't cover 'virtual colonoscopy' May 14, 2009
CT colonography, also known as a virtual colonoscopy, is a super X-ray of the colon that is quicker and easier on the patient. Copyright 2009 The Associated Press. (MSNBC -- Health)
Medicare Nixes "Virtual Colonoscopies" May 13, 2009
CT colonography images (CBS) ... Dr. Otis W. Brawley, chief medical officer of the American Cancer Society says, "The American Cancer Society believes that virtual colonoscopy, or CT colonography, ought to be available as one of several options for colon cancer screening." ... The government maintains that, "The evidence is inadequate to conclude that CT colonography is an appropriate colorectal cancer screening test.". (CBS News)
CMS Denial of Coverage for Virtual Colonoscopy May Cost Lives May 13, 2009
Congress Should Act to Require Coverage of CT Colonography ... CMS should reverse this determination and provide full coverage of CT colonography or Congress should pass legislation in this session to require Medicare coverage of the exam ... Recently, the landmark multi-center American College of Radiology Imaging Network Trial, sponsored by the National Cancer Institute and published in the New England Journal of Medicine, demonstrated that CT colonography is comparable in effectiveness to... (PR Newswire)
Removing barriers to colon testing May 8, 2009
Now there is virtual colonoscopy, also known as CT colonography, or CTC. ... Michael Zalis, MD, is director of CT colonography at Massachusetts General Hospital and an associate professor at Harvard Medical School. (Boston Globe)
New Study Argues For CT Colonography As Primary Colon Cancer Screening Test May 1, 2009
30, 2009) CT colonography allows radiologists to predict, with a high degree of confidence, whether or not a polyp needs to be evaluated through colonoscopy or removed through polypectomy, according to a study performed at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health in Madison, WI. ... The study included 479 patients with 739 CT colonography (CTC) detected lesions ... In our study, we found that when a clinically important polyp is found with CT colonography, a corresponding... (Science Daily)
State spotlights screening for colorectal cancer Apr 1, 2009
Double-contrast barium enema (every 5 years) Other tests are currently being evaluated and may be recommended for use in colorectal cancer screening in the future, including CT colonography (also known as "virtual colonoscopy") and stool DNA testing. Furshong said 94 percent of patients whose colorectal cancer is diagnosed at the local stage survive for at least five years after diagnosis, compared to 12 percent whose cancer is diagnosed at the distant stage. (Montana Standard, MT)
Vaccine To Prevent Colon Cancer Being Tested In Patients Mar 26, 2009
25, 2009) Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine have begun testing a vaccine that might be able to prevent colon cancer in people at high risk for developing the disease. If shown to be effective, it might spare patients the risk and inconvenience of repeated invasive surveillance tests, such as colonoscopy, that are now necessary to spot and remove precancerous polyps. (Science Daily)
NURSE’S NOTES - Colorectal cancer deadly, but preventable Mar 25, 2009
The barium enema and CT colonography are other excellent screening tools. Most colon cancers start as polyps. (Missoulian, MT)
Scripps offers home screening program for colon cancer Mar 18, 2009
Some of these include fecal occult blood tests every year; minimally invasive CT colonography every five years; and invasive colonoscopy every 10 years. Consult with your doctor to determine the most appropriate options and frequency. (North County Times)
Colorectal cancer preventable through early screening Mar 18, 2009
CT colonography may be best for low-risk patients who cannot undergo colonoscopy or who have had an incomplete colonoscopy due to various factors. Check with your insurance provider or the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services regarding which screening methods are a covered benefit. (Forest City Summit, IO)
Should Colon Cancer Screenings Go Virtual? Mar 12, 2009
It was in this vein that CT colonography was recommended as another option to find these pre-cancerous polyps as part of those guidelines. But, despite this recommendation, concerns about CTC have persisted. (ABC News)
Colorectal cancer survival high when disease is found early Mar 10, 2009
The guidelines now include two new tests -- stool DNA and CT colonography, also known as virtual colonoscopy. The guidelines also indicate a preference for screening tests that can not only detect cancer early but also detect precancerous polyps before they turn cancerous. (Orangeburg Times and Democrat, SC)
Health institute offers free cancer screening kits Mar 6, 2009
The American Cancer Society recommends stool DNA testing and CT colonography beginning at age 50 for men and women at average risk of developing the disease. Those at higher risk may be advised to begin screening methods earlier. (Wilmington Advocate, MA)
Colorectal Cancer: Immunological Tests For More Accurate Detection Of Cancer Precursors Feb 18, 2009
The guidelines add two new tests to the list of recommended options: stool DNA (sDNA) and CT colonography (CTC), also known as virtual. (Dec. (Science Daily)
MGT Capital Investments, Inc.: Failure to Satisfy a Continued Listing Rule Based on a Lack of Shareholder Meeting in 2008 and Medicsight Statement Regarding CMS Proposed Decision Feb 13, 2009
" Medicsight PLC (AIM: MDST) is a subsidiary of the Company, and an industry leader in the development of Computer-Aided Detection (CAD) and image analysis software which assists radiologists in the early detection of disease, comments on the recently published CMS (Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services) report that concluded that evidence is inadequate to show that CT colonography is an appropriate colorectal screening test, and, as such, the procedure is not reimbursable. The CMS has... (PR Newswire)
More Americans Urged to Get Cancer Screenings Feb 7, 2009
"We also added CT colonography every five years to the list of acceptable options, as well as stool DNA testing.". The cancer society does not recommend screening for other cancers, such as prostate or lung cancer, Smith noted. (MEDLINEplus)
CT Colonography Screens for Cancer, Osteoporosis Feb 7, 2009
In a CT colonography, an abdominal CT scan is done to create cross-sectional images of the abdomen and spine ... The results of the study on 35 people showed the data from the CT colonography images agreed with the subject's DEXA bone mineral density scores normally used to check for osteoporosis ... "CT colonography isnt a replacement for DEXA testing, but it could be a way to screen more people for osteoporosis," lead author Rizwan Aslam, assistant clinical professor of radiology at the... (MEDLINEplus)
