Imaging and Screening for Colorectal Cancer with CT Colonography

Despite being readily preventable, colorectal cancer ranks second behind only lung cancer in overall mortality. However, this situation could be reversed if screening tests that effectively detect advanced adenomas and early cancers were broadly applied. Computed tomographic colonography (CTC) reflects an ideal balance of minimal invasiveness with high-level performance, assuming all facets of the examination are appropriately addressed. Unfortunately, this promising screening test remains grossly underused. This article details the technical and interpretive approaches used by one successful CTC screening program.