Newswise — Reston, VA (September 17, 2019) – The American College of Radiology (ACR) has acquired the My CT Colonography center online locator, a patient-friendly online tool to find a computed tomography (CT) colonography screening center near you.

Bracco Diagnostics, Inc. originally developed the tool, which includes 150 centers – only a portion of the more than 700 estimated centers that perform CT Colonography (CTC). The ACR will now work with stakeholders to explore ways to achieve the goal of having all facilities that perform CTC registered on a center locator.

Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer related deaths in the U.S. and is on the rise in younger populations. Early detection results in early treatment and a high cure rate. CTC, unlike stool based colorectal cancer screening tests, is a preventive test because it can detect and treat pre-cancerous polyps before they become cancerous.
“We’ve heard from patient advocacy groups that they would strengthen their recommendation of CT colonography if they knew the procedure was more widely available across the United States. By expanding this center locator, we’ll be able to increase awareness of the lifesaving benefits of CTC,” said Judy Yee, MD, chair of the ACR Colon Cancer Committee.

Facilities that offer CTC are strongly encouraged to register online to join the My CT Colonography center locator. Increasing the number of facilities included in the tool will demonstrate the accessibility of this less invasive screening option, increase utilization and ultimately save more lives from colorectal cancer.

“By providing this tool to our many stakeholders, the College is facilitating access to an effective, safe and less invasive screening tool for colon cancer,” said Jonathan Kruskal, MD, PhD, FACR, president of the Society of Abdominal Radiology.

CT Colonography – commonly known as “virtual colonoscopy” – uses low-dose CT to produce three-dimensional, moving images of the colon. The exam is less invasive than standard colonoscopy, and does not require sedation, so people are able to more quickly and easily resume daily activities. If you have the test in the early morning, you can return to work the same day. The United States Preventive Services Task Force assigned an “A” grade to a list of screening exams that includes CTC as an effective and safe test. The American Cancer Society also endorses the virtual exam as one of only two direct visualization screening exam that can help prevent cancer and detect polyps early. It has been proven that the rate of screening increases when patients have more screening options.

To use the My CT Colonography center locator, individuals can simply type in their zip code to find a CT Colonography center nearby. Individuals are also encouraged to call their preferred radiology center and ask if they offer CTC as a screening test for colorectal cancer.


About the American College of Radiology
The American College of Radiology is a membership organization of 38,000 radiologists, radiation oncologists and medical physicists dedicated to serving patients and society by empowering radiology professionals to advance the practice, science and professions of radiological care.

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