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Winter 2003 YourScan Provides Non-Invasive Tool for Early Detection of CancerYourScan, the new full body scanning center affiliated with Anne Arundel Health System, gives a clear, accurate picture of what?s going on inside the human body?a valuable tool for early detection of malignancies and heart disease. A YourScan screening uses advanced technology to look for major diseases in the lungs, colon and heart. It?s fast, comfortable and completely non-invasive. Body scans are recommended for people older than 30 who may be at high risk for disease, or who merely want to know more about their health. Those at high risk include smokers or former smokers, people who are stressed, overweight, or who have a strong family history of cancer and/or heart disease. Early Detection of Lung Cancer Saves Lives
Lung cancer is the most common malignancy, killing more people than the next three most common cancers combined. The current five-year survival rate from detected lung cancer is 14 percent. However, recent studies indicate that the use of CT scan for cancer screening can greatly improve the detection of small nodules, and thus of lung cancer, in earlier and potentially more curable stages. People at high risk for lung cancer include those with a history of tobacco use, asbestos exposure, and other environmental exposures including second-hand smoke. Body Scan Less Invasive Way to Check for Colon Cancer The New England Journal of Medicine recently noted that the best test for the detection of colon cancer is the one that patients are willing to have. A colonoscopy is performed in a doctor’s office and involves overnight preparation to clear the colon, sedation at the time of the procedure and a tube inserted rectally to check for and remove any polyps. While a colonoscopy is more sensitive than CT-colonography (virtual colonoscopy) and is recommended for those at high risk for colon cancer, for those at low risk, a body scan has greater patient acceptance. Dr. James Reinig, medical director of Radiology at AAMC and YourScan, said, “The real advantage of the test is that patients are more willing to have it. There is a colon prep prior to the exam, but no sedation is required. Consequently, patients can leave immediately after the study. For those patients unwilling to undergo colonoscopy, this test is an excellent non-invasive method for the detection of colon cancer.” For more information, call 443-481-3200 or visit www.yourscan.com. YourScan is located in Weems Creek Medical Center, 600 Ridgely Avenue, Suite 110, Annapolis. |
