Improving Colon Cancer Screening Adherence by the Establishment of a CT Colonography Program – CME

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is currently the second leading cause of cancer mortality in the United States. Early detection and removal of early-stage cancers and precancerous adenomatous polyps has been demonstrated to significantly reduce mortality from CRC. Unfortunately, adherence to CRC screening recommendations has been suboptimal

Visual CRC screening modalities are the most accurate method of detecting CRC and precancerous lesions. Optical colonoscopy, currently the most widely used visual modality is invasive, may cause complications such as bleeding and perforations, and is uncomfortable for patients. CTC is a noninvasive modality that can be offered to patients at average-risk for CRC. Because CTC requires simpler bowel preparation, no sedation, and takes less than half an hour to perform, it represents a patient-friendly CRC screening option that could significantly increase adherence to screening

As a result of this activity, the participant should be better able to:

• Review current guidelines and recommendations for CRC screening
• Discuss the relative advantages and disadvantages of different CRC screening methods—with a focus on comparing OC vs. CTC
• Describe CTC procedures and summarize how to implement a successful CRC screening program

This activity has been designed to meet the educational needs of radiologists, radiologic technologists, radiology nurses, and other healthcare professionals involved with colorectal cancer (CRC) screening, and provides them with increased familiarity about a modality that can improve patient adherence to screening by selecting and ordering computed tomography colonography (CTC) as a patient-friendly alternative to optical colonoscopy (OC).

This activity is approved by the International Society for MR Radiographers & Technologists (ISMRT) for 1.5 Category A CE Credits. ISMRT had no involvement in the development of this activity.

Release Date: TBD | Expires: TBD

Faculty and Planner Disclosures:

As an accredited provider of continuing medical education, it is the policy of Northwest Imaging Forums, Inc. (NWIF) to ensure balance, independence, objectivity, and scientific rigor in all of its live activities. In accordance with this policy, faculty and planners must disclose any financial relationships with ineligible companies. Any relevant financial relationships have been mitigated by NWIF to ensure the integrity of the CME activity. The planner has nothing to disclose.