American Lung Association supports CT Lung Cancer Screening

The American Lung Association has recommended CT Lung Cancer Screening for smokers and former smokers.

Mounting evidence –  including findings from the U.S. National Cancer Institute’s National Lung Screening Trial – indicates that most lung cancer deaths can be prevented when detected at an early stage with CT screening.

CT Lung Cancer Screening is a well-studied test, with 10′s of thousands of patients scanned over the past 15+ years.  It is an “evidence-based” exam meaning that  there is consistent scientific evidence showing that the exam improves patient outcomes.  CT Lung Cancer screening is just one of the evidence-based screening exams offered at Canada Diagnostic in Vancouver.  Click here to find out more about our screening exams for the early detection of atherosclerosis and colon cancer.

If you are a smoker or former smoker, consider getting a CT Lung Cancer Screening Exam.  It may save your life.

Call us today at 1-877-709-8522.

Daily Aspirin May Help Prevent Colon Cancer

In big news last week, results of a study suggest that taking aspirin daily, may help prevent colon cancer in people who have a known genetic predisposition for the disease.  After five years of taking the aspirin, high-risk patients in the study had their cancer risk reduced by 50%.

Aspirin alone – whether a person is high-risk or not – is not the entire solution. Regular screening for colon cancer is a MUST.  There are several types of screening tests available including CT Colonography (“Virtual Colonoscopy”) which the American Cancer includes as one of its recommended screening exams.  As part of his health check, President Obama underwent Virtual Colonoscopy last year.

Canada Diagnostic has been offering Virtual Colonoscopy since 2002.  All of our Radiologists have full College of Physicians & Surgeons of BC Certification to read Virtual Colonoscopy.  To learn more about Virtual Colonoscopy, please take a look at our info sheet:  QA – Virtual Colonoscopy.

Contact us to learn more about Virtual Colonoscopy and other screening exams available.  1-877-709-8522 or info@canadadiagnostic.com.

If its good enough for the President of the U.S……..

As part of his first annual comprehensive physical exam as Chief Executive, U.S. President Barack Obama underwent a Virtual Colonoscopy (VC) exam as a screen for colon cancer. 

Why did the President’s medical team choose a VC over a traditional colonoscopy?  The exam is safe, effective and does not require sedation or pain medication.  Because there was no sedation, the President was able to maintain presidential authority.  In contrast, when President George W. Bush had a traditional colonoscopy in 2007, because he had to undergo sedation, he had to transfer presidential authority for several hours to his Vice President.

You may not be governing one of the most powerful nations in the world, but knowing that a VC is the test of choice for someone who does carries a pretty strong message!

The Canadian Cancer Society advises that the death rate from colorectal cancer can be reduced significantly if patients get screened!

Colon cancer and cancer of the rectum usually begin as a small polyp. While most colon polyps are benign, some do become cancerous. Colon cancer symptoms may include a change in bowel habits or bleeding, but usually colon cancer strikes without symptoms. That’s why it’s important to get a colon cancer screening test, such as a Virtual Colonoscopy. If the cancer is found early, the doctor can use surgery, radiation, and/or chemotherapy for effective treatment.

For more information on Virtual Colonoscopy, click here QA – Virtual Colonoscopy  or call us at 1-877-709-8522

Virtual Colonoscopy finds cancers outside the colon

March 23, 2010 – A study of more than 10,000 asymptomatic screening subjects found that more than one in 200 had unsuspected and typically large but mostly early-stage cancers detected outside the colon at Virtual Colonoscopy.  As with asymptomatic colorectal cancers identified by Virtual Colonoscopy screening, these cancers outside of the colon are often detected at an early, curable stage.

Colorectal and Extracolonic Cancers Detected at Screening CT Colonography in 10,286 Asymptomatic Adults

Radiology April 2010 255:83-88; doi:10.1148/radiol.09090939

 

Give us a call to find out more about Virtual Colonoscopy at Canada Diagnostic Centres:  1-877-709-8522 or 604-709-8522.