Bracco Diagnostics and ColoWatch Partner to Expand Availability CRC Screening Tests Using Virtual Colonoscopy

Over the last 25 years, virtual colonoscopy has been proven to be a highly accurate, safe, convenient, and cost-effective method of colorectal cancer (CRC) prevention and screening. It can reliably find relevant polyps that are the precursor of CRC while safely confirming the absence of problems in over 90% of those screened. CRC under the age of 50 will increase by 140% by 2030, and only 20% of those aged 45-49 undergo any CRC screening. Now, a new partnership aims to expand the availability of virtual colonoscopy for the early detection of colon and rectal cancer.

Bracco Diagnostics (Milan, Italy), the U.S. subsidiary of Bracco Imaging S.p.A., and ColoWatch (Houston, TX, USA) have entered into a partnership to deliver a turnkey solution for imaging facilities to expand the availability of CRC screening tests using virtual colonoscopy.

Image: Virtual colonoscopy (CT colonography) is an approved option for screening for colorectal cancer in the US (Photo courtesy of Shtutterstock)

"Our partnership with ColoWatch makes implementing the practice of virtual colonoscopy easier for imaging centers, especially those in underserved communities,” said Noelle Heber, Sr. Director of MR, X-Ray, and Device Marketing at Bracco Diagnostics. “With the recent U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services recommendation that proposes Medicare reimbursement for CRC screening using virtual colonoscopy, radiology can play an even bigger role in saving lives."

"Colorectal cancer is one of the few cancers that is highly preventable. And yet, there is still a significant population that unfortunately goes unscreened,” added Bikram Bakshi, Co-founder and CEO of ColoWatch. “Widespread implementation of virtual colonoscopies has the potential to save thousands of lives in the United States alone and generate extensive cost-savings for the healthcare system annually. We are proud to partner with Bracco to expand access of this highly important practice and reach more patients who can benefit."

Related Links:
Bracco Diagnostics
ColoWatch