COLORECTAL CANCER IS A HIGHLY PREVENTABLE DISEASE IF IDENTIFIED EARLY
What is a CT Colonography?
CT Colonography, also known as virtual colonoscopy, utilizes a CT scanner to provide rendered images of the entire large bowel (colon and rectum). This is done to detect polyps and masses. Colonic polyps are small growths on the lining of the colon which are a pre-cursor to cancer.
What are the Benefits?
- Early detection of polyps or cancers allows for earlier intervention and a better prognosis
- Colorectal cancer is a highly preventable disease if identified at the polyp stage
- Minimally invasive and more comfortable than traditional colonoscopy
- Faster booking and timeline for screening
Who Should Consider This Screening Test?
- Anyone over the age of 50 (American Cancer Society suggests age 45)
- Have a positive FIT test (fecal immunochemical test)
- Have a personal history of inflammatory bowel disease, colorectal cancer or radiation therapy to the abdomen or pelvis
- Have a family history of colon cancer or polyposis
- Have blood in the stool
- Those who are unable to have a regular colonoscopy
Frequently Asked Questions
- If you have had a positive FIT test (fecal immunochemical test)
- If you are over the age of 50 (American Cancer Society suggest screening starting at age 45)
- If you have a personal history of colorectal cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, or radiation therapy to the abdomen or pelvis for a prior cancer
- If you have a family history of colorectal cancer or suspected hereditary colorectal cancer syndrome (FAP or Lynch Syndrome)
- If you are unable to have a direct colonoscopy
- You will be provided with a preparation kit and instructions. This will guide you through a gentle bowel cleanse starting the day before the procedure, in the comfort of your own home. This is an important step to provide the best possible assessment of the colon.
- Please arrive 30 minutes before your scheduled appointment
- You will be provided with a preparation kit to guide you through a gentle bowel cleanse starting the day before the procedure, in the comfort of your own home. This is an important step to provide the best possible assessment of the colon.
- On the day of the screening test:
- Once you have checked in at the clinic, you will be shown into the changing area where you will be provided a gown and a private space to wait.
- Before the scan, you will lie on your side while a thin and flexible tube will be placed carefully into the lower colon by a trained healthcare professional. A gas will flow through this tube to gently inflate the colon. CT images will be taken while you are lying briefly on your back and then your front.
- Once the images are complete, the tube will be removed.
- The exam itself will take between 15 and 30 minutes.
- At Beam Radiology we take special care to ensure that you are as comfortable as possible throughout this process, and we encourage you to ask any questions you may have and communicate openly.
- Your images will be reformatted by a highly advanced computer program to produce rendered images of the entire large bowel. One of our specially trained physicians will review and interpret your test, according to current guidelines, and prepare a final report for your referring practitioner.
- If anything of concern is detected, this will be brought to the attention of your referring practitioner, as well as the recommended next steps.
- If your study reveals no areas of concern, a repeat exam can be considered in 3-5 years.
- Every 5 years for patients with no risk factors
- Up to every 3 years for those with risk factors.
- After a positive FIT test
- Speak with your health care provider today if you feel that this screening test could be right for you!They can fill out a requisition, found on our website, and this can be sent directly to Beam Radiology via fax at 587 885 2989.
You can also call us directly to book an appointment 587 885 2988 and bring your requisition in person.
Beam Radiology Trinity Hills: 340 Na’a Common SW Calgary, AB T3H 6A3
