Shedding Light on Colon Cancer

Biomedical engineers have developed a new device to use for colonoscopies. Previously, colonoscopies were somewhat invasive. Doctors use a colonoscope that is 48-72 inches long with a camera attached on the end so it could record images of the small intestine. The new technique is less intrusive and uses a probe made out of a thin optical fiber which shines light onto the colon. A computer can analyze how the light backscatters to determine if the colon is likely to have cancerous polyps. This new technique is not only more effective, but it is also much more comfortable on the patient. Maybe this new technique will decrease the percentage of people who refuse screening because of the invasive nature of colonoscopies.

http://www.sciencedaily.com/videos/2008/0111-shedding_light_on_colon_cancer.htm