Should patients be put through invasive colonoscopies? CT imaging of the colon is more cost effective, according to a study in the journal Cancer. Colonoscopy requires the use of an endoscope, while CT imaging in non-invasive.

The journal researchers did a cost analysis that associated each type of colon cancer screening test with the amount of life-years gained. CT was the least expensive, following by sigmoidoscopy, and colonoscopy. The authors also questioned the clinical value of removing polyps smaller than 6 mm. Removal can be accomplished with an endoscope, but obviously not with CT scanning.

For details, go to:

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/news/fullstory_48244.html