If you are over 50, chances are you have thought about having a colonoscopy as a way to detect potential health problems early. Colon cancer kills over 57,000 Americans each year (click) so it needs to be taken seriously. Yet with early detection, it can be treated and cured in many cases.

The largest study of its kind was published in the New England Journal of Medicine on 12/04/03. The study shows that virtual colonoscopy (VC) is as effective at identifying polyps as traditional procedures. It’s faster, easier and patients prefer the more comfortable non-invasive nature of VC. Unlike preparation protocols for traditional colonoscopy, certain foods can be eaten the day prior to the procedure. Patients can even return to work the same day since no sedation is used.

Ask your doctor about virtual colonoscopy. Your life could depend on it.