Colonoscopy vs CT scan

In a study of 2600 asymptomatic adults at 15 study centres, CT colonographic screening identified 90% of medium and large of adenomas detected by colonoscopy. The findings published in NEJM suggest that people who do not want a colonscopy could opt for a CT scan, reported The Wall Street Journal.

CT colonography is a noninvasive option in screening for colorectal cancer, it can show other problems that may need followed. Critics say there is a third test called fecal occult blood testing (FOBT) that has been shown to reduce death from colon cancer, but there is insufficient evidence to say which is the best.

Source: "Accuracy of CT Colonography for Detection of Large Adenomas and Cancers" NEJM 2008 Volume 359(12):1207-1217 (abstract only)