New AI tool at UCHealth improves polyp detection rate during colonoscopies
In 2023, colorectal cancer was the second deadliest type of cancer in America. The new tool aims to lower that rate. A new AI tool at UCHealth in Denver, Colorado, has been implemented to improve polyp detection rate during colonoscopies. The tool allows surgeons to detect even the smallest polyps during the procedure. Sarah Wartell was diagnosed with stage three colon cancer at age 40 and is now cancer-free after undergoing a colonoscopy at UC Health. The new tool allows for more people to be present during the exam and is designed to equalize the playing field for quality colonoscopes. Advises for women to advocate for themselves for screening and to be aware of colon cancer risk and screening at a younger age.
Published : a month ago by By: Adria Iraheta, Adria Iraheta in Tech
DENVER — Sarah Wartell first started noticing the signs in 2020.
“I went to the ER a couple times, you know, being told it was food poisoning or, you know, a stomach bug,” said Wartell.
She was experiencing weight loss, abdominal pain, and nausea among other things – all symptoms of colon cancer.
Despite being brushed off by multiple doctors, she kept pushing for answers.
“When they were telling me no, it's anxiety, I kind of felt like I was losing my mind if I'm being perfectly honest,” she said.
Finally, Wartell underwent a colonoscopy that would save her life.
Doctors diagnosed her with stage three colon cancer at the age of 40.
Wartell is one of millions of Americans receiving a colon cancer diagnosis at a younger age.
Advocating for herself is what saved her life, and something that UC Health associate professor of medicine Dr. Swati Patel advises.
“The best time to talk about colon cancer risk and screening is the moment you meet your doctor. You're never too young to discuss this. And when you are eligible for screening, the best test is the one that gets done,” said Dr. Patel.
This past fall, UC Health implemented a new AI tool that acts as a second set of eyes during endoscopies.
It allows surgeons like Dr. Patel to detect even the smallest polyps.
“If more people are looking at the screen, we improve polyp detection rate,” she said. “I think you know, long term, it's still to say whether adding this technology really improves large polyp detection or certainly cancer detection. But it sort of equalizes the playing field to ensure that everyone's getting kind of a good quality colonoscopy in terms of the inspection.”
Wartell is now cancer-free after getting treated by experts at UC Health.
With March being Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, she has this advice for others:
“Take good care of you. You're precious. You're important. Your body, it gives you all the arrows and cues - just listen to ‘em.”
Topics: AI