Even for those who have never undergone the preparations for a colonoscopy, talk of the discomfort of the process has caused many to avoid or delay this potentially life saving procedure. ?It?s no surprise that researchers have been looking for a better way and the American Cancer Society recently announced the results of two studies of different approaches that have potential to increase patient compliance with screening guidelines.
Studies Show Effectiveness of Colon Screenings with Easier Preparations
The first alternative to the colonoscopy is the Flexible Sigmoidoscopy. ?While it also requires a colon cleansing preparation process it is generally better tolerated and the procedure does not require sedation.
In the study, about 155,000 people were assigned randomly to either sigmoidoscopy screening or ?usual care? and then followed for about 12 years. Those in the screening group were screened when they joined the study, then either 3 or 5 years later. People in the usual care group only received screening if they asked for it, or if their doctor recommended it. Researchers found that the screening group had a 21% lower rate of new colorectal cancer cases and a 26% lower rate of colorectal cancer deaths than the usual care group.
The second approach is the?computed tomographic colonography (CTC), that is laxative free.
In the study?604 patients completed the screening. Results showed that laxative-free CTC found 91% of polyps 10 mm or larger, which is as effective as a regular colonoscopy. While it was less effective at detecting smaller polyps, the smaller polyps are less likely to develop into cancer. More patients preferred CTC to colonoscopy. This kind of screening would require an additional procedure if any polyps were detected that needed to be removed.
While the CTC is currently only available to patients involved in the study, ?there is hope that this method of colon cancer screening will be further validated and available to the general public as an alternative.
Related Posts:
- Colon Cancer Screening: Understanding the Options
- Colon Cancer Screening: Encouraging Doctors to Discuss Options
- Colon Cancer: What to Ask Your Doctor At Diagnosis
- Cancer Treatment Decisions: 10 Tips to Make it Easier
- Pancreatic Cancer Patients: Take a Walk to Reduce Fatigue
Source: https://awareofyourcare.com/blog/2012/07/colon-cancer-screening-looking-for-an-easier-approach/
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