Medicare coverage and changing guidelines could expand use of CT colonography
Though screening CT colonography (CTC) has been available since the early 2000s and is a validated test for the detection of colorectal cancer, the method remains underutilized.
However, a decision in January 2025 by Medicare to cover screening CTC could change its popularity. Additionally, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force changed its recommendation in 2021 to start screening at age 45 years old, down from 50, for average-risk adults to age.
These changes come as colorectal cancer has become the leading cause of cancer deaths for adults younger than 50.
“CTC is well-suited to address this population health need,” Michio Taya, MD said in the RSNA News article “CT Colonography Gains Ground in Colorectal Cancer Screening.” “However, many primary care physicians still hold the belief that CTC is investigational and not fully validated.”
Dr. Taya said radiologists have an important role in sharing accurate information and creating excitement around CTC to address an urgent public health need.
“We have a great opportunity as radiologists to be able to help patients and make a difference in patient lives,” Dr. Taya said. “I think it’s very fulfilling and meaningful to be involved with a test that prevents cancer.”
RSNA published the news along with a “RadioGraphics” article called “CT Colonography: Where Are We with Colorectal Cancer Screening?” co-authored by Dr. Taya along with Perry Pickhardt, MD; Matthew Lee, MD; and David Kim, MD.
Over the past two decades, CTC has been proven to be equivalent to traditional colonoscopy in terms of sensitivity and safety. Dr. Taya said the benefit of CTC is not just earlier cancer detection.
“The goal is to identify precancerous lesions before cancer develops,” Dr. Taya said. “When those lesions are removed, the cancer pathway is interrupted, and the cancer never occurs.”
Learn more about removing barriers to CTC and CTC safety and performance in the RSNA News article and “Radiographics” article.