Preventing Colon Cancer

Colon cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in the U.S. and the third most common cancer worldwide.    

In January, Minneapolis VA became the first hospital in Minnesota to install new, best-in-class endoscopy equipment, allowing for increased image resolution to better detect colon polyps and prevent colorectal cancer in Veterans.  

"This new technology includes video processors capable of 4K image quality and new compatible endoscopes capable of capturing the highest-quality images, resulting in enhanced visualization and increased polyp detection,” said Minneapolis VA Gastroenterology Section Chief and Director of Endoscopy Dr. Brian Hanson. “This, along with the existing technology, allows us to add artificial intelligence technology. AI-assisted colonoscopy increases polyp detection, thereby lowering colorectal cancer rates for Veterans.”  

AI technologies for VA healthcare applications, including colonoscopy, have been in research and development for over a decade. “All VA endoscopy suites employ GI Genius. GI Genius is an AI colonoscopy system used to assist doctors in the detection of polyps. A real-time box highlights potential polyps allowing clinicians to focus on these areas interest that they may have otherwise overlooked. This results in more polyps being found and reduces colon cancer rates,” said Dr. Hanson.   

By screening Veterans between the ages of 45–75, polyps can be found and removed before they turn into cancer. Effective screening tests available through the VA to include the at-home fecal immunochemical test (FIT), and colonoscopy. On average, Minneapolis VA completes more than 10,000 FIT and close to 3,000 colonoscopies each year.   

If you have a family history of colon cancer, please talk with your provider about the best screening test. In addition to screenings, being aware of the symptoms, and contacting your doctor if you have them, could save your life. Red flags include blood in your stool, changes in bowel habits for more than a few days, weight loss when you are not trying to lose weight, if you have iron deficiency anemia or a family history of colon cancer.   

Colon cancer research at Minneapolis VA continues to find and enhance ways to detect colon cancer early and to find more effective and less toxic treatments.