by Morgan Medeiros

Created on: February 22, 2009   Last Updated: March 05, 2009

Colorectal cancer is the third most common type of cancer in the United States. The high incidence of colorectal cancer is largely due to the low number of patients that proactively undergo routine screenings for the disease. However, cancer screenings are the most effective form of cancer prevention. Because the cancer is progressive, it can be detected with various types of screenings, wherein the precancerous polyps are identified, and can then be removed before the polyps advance into a more serious, cancerous state.

Colorectal cancer is especially prevalent in those over the age of 50, with the age group accounting for ninety percent of cases. Many people feel embarrassed to request a screening, which involves either the stool or the rectum in all screening methods except for the most contemporary screening method. Luckily, there are a variety of tests available, which, when performed by a trusted doctor, are only slightly uncomfortable for the patient. Physicians agree that the two most accurate screening methods are the traditional and the virtual colonoscopy.

For those desiring the least intrusive procedure, Virtual colorectal screening is the most modern form of colorectal cancer screening, and does not require the insertion of a tube, as is used in a traditional colonoscopy. In this procedure, a Computerized Tomography machine is used to take photographs of the inside of your colon, and is performed much in the same way as any other CT scan. After the scans are taken, the doctor is able to examine the images via computer to check for polyps or cancer developing in the colon. If the scans indicated the presence of either, the doctor will then need to perform a traditional colonoscopy to further assess or remove the growths.

A traditional colonoscopy can be performed instead of the more advanced virtual colonoscopy, and is a more commonly offered procedure. For this test, the colon must first be cleared, which allows for a more accurate view of the tissue. The bowel is cleansed around 24 hours beforehand, with the use of a laxative prescribed by a doctor, and occasionally an enema. The patient is instructed to ingest only liquids in order to not add contents to the bowel that would obscure the doctor's view. The patient is also given a mild sedative and often a mild anesthesia to ease any discomfort. A thin, camera-tipped scope is inserted into the rectum to examine the area. The doctor is also able to remove polyps or take sample of growths using the scope. The procedure is usually completed in around 20 minutes to an hour.

Larger medical centers are more likely to offer both virtual and traditional screenings. Yale's prestigious medical program offers a specialist; Walter E. Longo, MD, on site in New Haven. Hartford Hospital has a Colon and Rectal Cancer program, and is especially knowledgeable in the two types of procedures. Hartford employs five specialists in the field, including Christine M. Bartus, MD, and Jeffrey Cohen, MD. Endorsed by the University of Connecticut, Joel Levine MD, and Joseph C. Anderson, MD are both colonoscopy specialists affiliated with John Dempsey Hospital, and are the Co-Directors of the Colon Cancer Prevention Program.

Whether a patient chooses to pursue a traditional colonoscopy or a virtual screening, either are effective and necessary measures to prevent colorectal cancers, and should be regularly pursued to ensure colon health.

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