Catch Colon Cancer With Less Invasive CT Colonography

No one likes thinking about colon cancer. But it’s the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the U.S.—and far too many people aren’t getting screened early enough to do something about it.

At Life Guard Imaging of Tampa, we believe in prevention, offering a solution that’s faster, gentler, and way less intimidating than what most people picture when they hear the word “colonoscopy.” It’s called CT Colonography, or virtual colonoscopy—and it could be the tool that catches colon cancer early, before symptoms ever show up.

CT Colonography uses low-dose CT imaging to generate detailed, 3D views of your colon. Instead of inserting a scope throughout the entire colon under sedation, a virtual colonoscopy requires only a short 2.5-inch tube to gently inflate the colon with air. You’re awake the whole time, without anesthesia. And yes—you can drive yourself home afterward. This makes screening much more accessible for people who:

Want a less invasive option.
Have medical conditions that make sedation risky.
Are avoiding traditional colonoscopy because of fear or discomfort.

In other words, this test makes it easier to take the first step—the one that can lead to earlier diagnosis and better outcomes.

Virtual colonoscopy is highly effective at spotting:

Polyps (those small growths that can become cancerous if left unchecked).
Early signs of colorectal cancer.

Every scan is reviewed by a Board-Certified Radiologist, and you receive a clear, comprehensive report you can share with your physician. If something looks concerning, a traditional colonoscopy may still be needed for removal or biopsy. But without this first step, many people would never know there was a concern in the first place.

That’s why we always say: It’s not either/or. It’s both/and. CT colonography is an incredibly useful tool that complements—not replaces—ongoing care from your doctor.

We know fear of discomfort or sedation keeps a lot of people from getting screened on time. That delay can be dangerous. The earlier colon cancer is detected, the more treatable it is. But when screenings are avoided year after year, small polyps can silently grow into something much more serious. CT colonography respects your time, your comfort, and your well-being. It’s fast, accurate, and doesn’t require you to take a whole day off just to recover.