Colon cancer is the third most common cancer in Canada and is also the second leading cause of death from cancer. Due to the high mortality associated with colon cancer, colonoscopies are now becoming the routine screening test of choice. The low-risk procedure is considered highly effective, as it allows doctors to get an in-depth view of the colon with the use of a colonoscope, a fiber optic tube that is attached to a microscopic camera that transmits live video feed to a monitor. Last year, Burnaby Hospital performed over 3,600 colonoscopies and this year we expect to be even busier. Having state-of-the-art equipment for performing colonoscopies aids Burnaby Hospital in the detection and treatment of cancer.

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