Colon and Rectal Cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in men and women. It is the second most common cancer in men (after lung) and the third most common cancer in women (after lung and breast). Colon Cancer usually occurs in men and women over the age of 40.
Virtually all colon cancers begin as small benign pre-cancerous growths called polyps which progress slowly over years (10 to 15 years) to become larger and invasive cancers. As with most cancers, symptoms frequently develop too late for effective treatment and cure – yet if diagnosed in its early stages colon cancer is highly curable. The five year survival rate for early Colon Cancer is 90%.
The Colon For Life Scan allows the detection of small pre-malignant polyps and very early Colon Cancers, accurately and non-invasively. In the USA, the US Preventative Services Task Force (USPSTF) has given a Grade A recommendation for routine Colo-rectal Cancer Screening in the general population and The American Cancer Society has recommended screening with the Virtual Colonoscopy Scan. President Barack Obama had a Virtual Colonoscopy Scan in 2010 as a component of the presidential medical.
As appose to the traditional optical Colonoscopy, there is no scope pipe inserted into your rectum through your colon and therefore no risk of colonic perforation, bleeding or death. Because the Virtual Colonoscopy Scan is not very painful, no needle, IV line or Anaesthetic / IV sedation is required. There is no hospitalisation or in-patient observation after the Scan, and no risk of Anaesthetic complications. You are able to drive and resume work immediately after the Scan. Virtual Colonoscopy does not require filling the colon with liquid barium or an antispasmodic injection as is required by the Barium Enema examination, and is far more accurate.
Possible warning signs for colorectal cancer:
- Bleeding from your rectum.
- Blood in your stool.
- Change in the shape of your stool.
- Change in bowel habits.
- Cramping pain in your lower stomach.
The Virtual Colonoscopy / CT Colonography Scan
The VC / CTC Scan is a non-invasive, highly accurate and safe screening test for the early detection of polyps (pre-cancerous) and early Colon & Rectal (large bowel) Cancers. It is the most advanced non-invasive way to evaluate these and avoid Colo-rectal Cancer.
The Scan also detects other colon abnormalities such as diverticulosis (and diverticulitis), colon redundancy and an abnormal position or distribution of the colon.
The Scan also asseses all the other abdominal and pelvic organs simultaneously, excluding significant pathology such as Tumours, Aneurysms, Cysts, Kidney stones etc.
The scan is non-invasive, safe and rapid. The entire process takes less than 30 minutes.
Preparation for the Scan:
- This kit will help you prepare for your procedure by safely cleansing your colon.
- A CLEAN BOWEL IS EXTREMELY IMPORTANT. CAREFULLY FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS and tick off each box as you progress.
- Bowel movements start within 30 minutes to 2 hours after the prep and may continue intermittently for up to 6 hours. It is advisable to remain near a toilet.
- The prep produces watery bowel stools, thus clearing the bowel. The bowel fluid should turn a clear, pale yellow with no solid material in it.
- Medication: Take your routine medicine more than 1 hour before drinking the prep sachets.
- Diabetics: Discuss your energy intake with the person instructing you in the use of this prep. If you are taking diabetic medication, your doses may need to be changed. Bring your medication with you.
- Do not perform this prep if you suspect bowel obstruction, toxic colitis or have kidney heart failure.
- Please notify us if you are allergic to Iodine or Sulphur.
- Please notify us if you have ever had renal or kidney failure ?
TWO DAYS BEFORE THE SCAN
- Avoid foods difficult to digest – fibre, wholegrains, vegetables and fruit especially with pips and seeds (e.g. tomatoes, guavas), yellow cheese, for 2 days before the procedure.
THE DAY BEFORE THE SCAN
- ON WAKING:
A CLEAR LIQUID DIET ONLY THROUGHOUT THE DAY
ENSURE THAT YOU TAKE AT LEAST 1 GLASS (250 ml) OF CLEAR LIQUID EVERY HOUR FOR THE REST OF THE DAY, UNTIL BED TIME. IT IS ESSENTIAL THAT YOU REMAIN HYDRATED.
Approved clear liquids:
– Water
– Energy / sports drinks (no caffeine)
– Fruit Juices (no pulp) e.g apple and grape juice, clear fruit cordials
– Carbonated sodas eg. Gingerbeer, Lemonade, other.
– Clear Soups, broths e.g. Bovril or chicken extract dissolved in hot water (no solids)
– Clear Jelly (no toppings or red colouring)
Lozenge sweets
- At 12 PM:
Mix 1 sachet powder with 250 ml of warm water and stir until dissolved. Let it cool. You may keep it chilled (can add ice) if you prefer.
DRINK SLOWLY OR SIP THROUGH A STRAW
- Continue drinking clear liquids.
- At 6 PM:
Mix 1 sachet powder with 250 ml of warm water and stir until dissolved. Let it cool. You may keep it chilled (can add ice) if you prefer.
DRINK SLOWLY OR SIP THROUGH A STRAW
- Continue drinking clear liquids.
THE DAY OF THE SCAN
- At 7 AM (AT LEAST 3 HOURS BEFORE THE SCAN)
– DRINK THE LIQUID IN THE CONTAINER PROVIDED labelled “Morning of Scan”.
– INSERT THE ENCLOSED SUPPOSITORY rectally.
– NO SOLID FOODS.
– NO LIQUIDS 6 HOURS BEFORE THE SCAN
Requirements for the Scan:
During the Scan, harmless CO2 gas is introduced into the colon via a very thin tube inserted painlessly just into the anus, which allows gentle distension of the colon. Uncomfortable room air is not pumped into the colon. The CO2 is absorbed and breathed out as soon as the Scan is over, so there is no residual bloating or discomfort.
Colon Cancer:
Colorectal Cancer is the third most common cancer diagnosed in Western men and women.
Colorectal Cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in men, accounting for 10% of total mortality and the third leading cause of cancer deaths in women, accounting for 10% of total mortality.
The 5-year relative survival rate is 90% for people whose colorectal cancer is diagnosed in an early stage, before it has spread. But only 39% of colorectal cancers are found at that early stage. Once the cancer has spread to nearby organs or lymph nodes, the 5-year relative survival rate drops to 66%. The 5-year survival rate for people with spread to distant organs and lymph nodes is 5 to 10%.
Source: The American Cancer Society
How often must the Colon For Life Scans be performed?
In the vast majority of people, it is repeated 5 yearly,
unless small polyps have been found.
Who should consider the Colon for Life Scans?
A recommended routine Cancer screen, for average bowel cancer risk individuals, after the age 40 – 50, particularly if there are one or more of the following risk factors:
- A personal history of colo-rectal cancer or adenomatous polyps.
- A personal history of chronic inflammatory bowel disease.
- A family history of colo-rectal cancer or adenomatous polyps.
- Families with hereditary colorectal cancer syndromes and polyposis syndromes.
- Previous history of any cancer.
Let Us Contact You
Leave your details and we will contact you shortly