Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in the United States. Many of these deaths could have been prevented if the cancer had been found in the early stages; colorectal cancer screening is powerful and unique because it is cancer prevention due to the ability to visualize and remove pre-cancerous polyps before they progress to cancer*.
Colorectal cancer screening is recommended for individuals aged 50 to 75; individuals with higher risk factors- family or personal history of colorectal cancer, individuals with ulcerative colitis or Crohn colitis, and individuals with Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP)- may need to be screened before the age of 50.*
screening options for Colorectal Cancer:
Prevent and Detect Cancer
• Optical Colonoscopy
• Virtual Colonoscopy
• Flexible Sigmoidoscopy
Detect Cancer
• Fecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT)
• Fecal Immunochemical Test (iFOBT)
*Jennifer Weiss, MD, and Patrick Pfau, MD, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine & Public Health
Virtual colonoscopy (VC) is a minimally-invasive screening test for colorectal cancer. VC is a safe, accurate, and convenient alternative to optical colonoscopy. The exam itself takes about 10-15 minutes and, unlike optical colonoscopy, does not require IV sedation; this allows patients to drive themselves home and immediately return to their regular activities.
The VC screening program at University of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics remains unique since it is the only site in the U.S. with broad insurance coverage. Unity has covered VC screening for its members since 2004.
With few exceptions, any adult age 50 years or older is an appropriate candidate for VC screening. For more information, please call the UW VC Program office at (608) 263-9630 or visit uwhealth.org/virtualcolonoscopy.
Dr. Perry J. Pickhardt, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine & Public Health
