Women Can Be Screened Years Later than Men with Virtual Colonoscopy

A new study has found that women can be screened for colorectal cancer at least five to 10 years later than men when undergoing an initial “virtual colonoscopy.” Published early online in CANCER, a peer-reviewed journal of the American Cancer Society, the findings may help establish guidelines for the use of this screening technique, which is less invasive than a traditional colonoscopy.

Detecting precancerous polyps through the use of imaging techniques such as a traditional colonoscopy may prevent colorectal cancer. However, some people may feel that this technique is too invasive, while others may not be healthy enough to undergo the procedure. A possible alternative is the so-called virtual colonoscopy—a minimally invasive procedure with a very similar accuracy as traditional colonoscopy.

Unlike for traditional colonoscopies, though, no study has assessed at what age virtual colonoscopies should first be performed. To investigate, Cesare Hassan, MD, of the Nuovo Regina Margherita Hospital…