As fears over the Hepatitis C exposure grow, doctors are seeing an increase in patients looking into virtual colonoscopy.

Action News reporter Kimberly Tere explains how the procedure works.

Concerns over invasive procedures have some patients shying away from getting tested for colon cancer.

While doctors say they understand the concerns, putting off the test can cost you your life.

An investigation in to unsafe medical practices at the Endoscopy Center of Southern Nevada may have far reaching effects.

"We have gotten calls from patients that have been to those centers and have had screening tests and are concerned about their health. We have also heard from people who wanted to be screened for colon cancer but are hesitant to get a colonoscopy," explained Dr. Luke Cesaretti.

Doctor Cesaretti says he does not want this health scare to keep people from being tested for colon cancer, especially since the disease is highly preventable and detectable.

"It would be a real shame for, if people stay away from screening or use that as another excuse not to be screened," said Dr. Cesaretti.

The most accurate test for early detection is the colonoscopy, but Dr. Cesaretti says patients looking for something less invasive are turning to the virtual colonoscopy.

A virtual colonoscopy is actually a cat scan of the lower part of the digestive tract.

"It does not require sedation. It is a less invasive test than the colonoscopy. The chance for perforation of the colon is very small. It is quicker," explained Dr. Cesaretti.

The American Cancer society has given the virtual colonoscopy their stamp of approval, but Dr. Cesaretti does have a warning.

"With virtual colonoscopy we can find polyps, but you will need a standard colonoscopy to have it taken care of," explained Dr. Cesaretti.

Stay tuned to Action News as we monitor new developments in the Hepatitis C investigation.