A virtual colonoscopy (VC) is similar to a standard colonoscopy except it is much less invasive—only requiring gentle passage of air into the colon. A virtual colonoscopy is performed with computed tomography (CT) allowing the exam to be faster than colonoscopy and requiring no sedation. Studies have suggested that virtual colonoscopy may be as effective as conventional colonoscopy at detecting significant polyps and masses. Virtual colonoscopy may be a useful adjunct to your current colon cancer screening offered by your physician.
Generally, people who are over the age of 50 years or have an increased risk of colon cancer should be screened for colon cancer every three to five years. Examples of an increased risk of colon cancer may include a prior history of polyps, fecal occult blood, or a family history of colon cancer.