The individual who appears is for illustrative purposes. The person depicted is a model and not a real patient.
CT Colonography is high-tech scan that only takes about 15 minutes.
And then you're on your way!
What is CT Colonography (CTC)?
Virtual colonoscopy, also known as CT Colonography, is a safe, effective and minimally invasive imaging scan used to screen people for colorectal cancer. Early detection results in early treatment and a high cure rate.
CT colonography uses a high-tech X-ray scanner and advanced computer programs to create detailed images of the tissues inside the colon.
CTC is covered by most insurance plans
(but not by Medicare).
Is CTC right for you?
Are you a busy person with limited time for medical tests?
Would you prefer a minimally-invasive screening with a CT scan?
Would you rather not be sedated, so you can drive yourself home?
Then CT Colonography may be right for you
Fast:
CTC takes only about 15 minutes to complete
No sedation:
You don’t need someone to pick you up afterwards
Easy:
The test is performed using a minimally-invasive CT scan
If no polyps are detected, you won’t need a traditional colonoscopy
Accurate:
a CTC reveals polyps in the colon, just like a colonoscopy
CTC is covered by most insurance plans and is less costly than a colonoscopy
How does a Virtual Colonoscopy (CTC) stack up against the alternatives?
| Compare: | Colonoscopy | Virtual Colonoscopy | Cologuard® stool DNA test* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Detects large precancerous polyps |
75-93%1 | 73-98%1 | 42%2 |
| How is exam performed? | Colonoscope | CT scan | Take home kit |
| Approximate time for test | 30-60 minutes | 15 minutes | 5 minutes |
| Minimally invasive | No | Yes | Yes |
| Requires anesthesia | Yes | No | No |
| For patients with a family history of colon cancer or a previous finding of precancerous polyps | Yes | No | No |
| May also detect kidney, lung, or lymph node cancer3 | No | Yes | No |
| Recognized by the American Cancer Society,4 the US Preventative Services Task Force for colorectal cancer screening5 and the US Multi-Society Task Force on Colorectal Cancer6 | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| If large precancerous polyps are detected… | Removed during the colonoscopy | Patient will need a colonoscopy | Patient will need a colonoscopy |
| Covered by most commercial insurance plans | Yes | Yes | Yes |
*Cologuard is a registered trademark of Exact Sciences Corporation in the US and other countries.
Get comfortable with regular screening – it saves lives○
Get comfortable with regular screening – it saves lives○
Get comfortable with regular screening – it saves lives○
Get comfortable with regular screening – it saves lives○
Get comfortable with regular screening – it saves lives○
Screening helps prevent colorectal cancer by finding precancerous polyps (abnormal growths) so they can be removed before they turn cancerous.
Don't wait for symptoms to be screened. Precancerous polyps and colorectal cancer don’t always cause symptoms, especially early on.
You should get screened even if you have no family history. Most colorectal cancers occur in people with no family history of the disease.
Talk with your doctor about the process in more detail.
You can also visit the radiology info website for a complete overview of a virtual colonoscopy.
CTC is known as a "virtual colonoscopy" — it's the high-tech, minimally-invasive, time-saving option for colon cancer screening.
Find a CTC center near you, and get screened today!
The individuals who appear are for illustrative purposes. All persons depicted are models and not real healthcare professionals.
- Lin JS, Piper MA, Perdue LA, et al. Screening for colorectal cancer: Updated evidence report and systematic review for the US preventative services task force.
JAMA. 2016;315(23):2576-2594.
- Imperiale TF, Ransohoff DF, Itzkowitz SH, et al. Multitarget stool DNA testing for colorectal-cancer screening.
N Engl Med. 2014;370:1287-1297.
- American College of Radiology (ACR) Virtual Colonoscopy (CT Colonography) patient brochure. link
- American Cancer Society. Colorectal Screening Tests. Published October 25, 2023. link
- United States Preventative Services Task Force. Colorectal Cancer: Screening. Published October 25, 2023. link
- Rex DK, Boland CR, Dominitz JA, et al. Colorectal cancer screening: Recommendations for physicians and patients from the US multi-society task force on colorectal cancer.
Am J Gastroenterol. 2017;112(7):1016-1030.
