| Theme | Now and Feature of CT Colonography | |
|---|---|---|
| Title | Current Status of and Prospects for CT Colonography in Japan | |
| Publish Date | 2014/09 | |
| Author | Kenichi Utano | Department of Coloproctology, Aizu Medical Center, Fukushima Medical University |
| Author | Daiki Nemoto | Department of Coloproctology, Aizu Medical Center, Fukushima Medical University |
| Author | Noriyuki Isohata | Department of Coloproctology, Aizu Medical Center, Fukushima Medical University |
| Author | Taisuke Ohtani | Department of Coloproctology, Aizu Medical Center, Fukushima Medical University |
| Author | Shungo Endo | Department of Coloproctology, Aizu Medical Center, Fukushima Medical University |
| Author | Kazutomo Togashi | Department of Coloproctology, Aizu Medical Center, Fukushima Medical University |
| [ Summary ] | Colorectal cancer (CRC) exhibits the highest direct incidence of cancer and is also the third greatest cause of cancer related deaths in Japan. Age-adjusted mortality rates for cases related to CRC have become high, because the incidence of CRC has increased. Rates for use of CRC screening or for those undergoing further tests are still low in Japan, compared to western countries. CT colonography is considered to be an alternative to colonoscopy for CRC screening due to high rates of tolerability. In 2012, the Japanese government (the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare) approved medical insurance coverage for CT colonography for CRC screening tests. This suggests an increasing use of CT colonography for CRC screening. In Japan, however, standardization of CT colonography procedures and education programs for readers are both lacking. Therefore, we should address these issues without delay. | |