Artificial intelligence (AI) is helping physicians at the Charles George VA Medical Center detect precancerous growths earlier and improve the quality of colonoscopy screenings, according to a new announcement from the Western North Carolina VA Health Care System.

While AI may feel like a recent innovation, gastroenterologist Dr. Douglas Boyce said the Asheville-based VA has been using AI-assisted colonoscopy tools for years—long before the technology became mainstream. After learning about its potential, Boyce pushed for its adoption to improve detection rates and patient outcomes.

“The push was to see if it had an impact on quality of procedures and outcomes,” Boyce said. “Can you prevent cancer? Can you provide good care for patients? The VA was a little ahead of the curve in getting it implemented.”

AI systems used during colonoscopies highlight subtle abnormalities in real time, drawing attention to tiny changes in the colon’s lining—abnormalities that even experienced physicians might miss. That precision has translated into significant improvements in adenoma detection rates, one of the most important indicators of an effective colonoscopy. Nationally, the standard adenoma detection rate is around 25%. Each 1% increase reduces a patient’s future colon cancer risk by roughly 3%, Boyce noted.

Deputy Chief of Staff Dr. Douglas Huntley said AI “equalizes the playing field,” helping all physicians identify early warning signs consistently. “It’s vital that we do anything we can to reduce morbidity and mortality for our Veterans,” he said. “If there is a technology that is safe and valuable, we are going to use it.”

For Veterans like Air Force Veteran Dawn Yllescas, early detection made all the difference. She went in for a routine screening with no symptoms—only to learn she had colon cancer. She credits the VA team, and the advanced tools supporting them, with saving her life.

“It’s extremely important to be checked,” Yllescas said. “Yeah, it’s embarrassing, but it’s necessary. They saved my life.”

With colon cancer the third-leading cancer in the U.S., VA clinicians urge Veterans ages 45 to 49 to schedule their first screening—and to ask whether their provider uses AI-assisted technology to ensure the most thorough exam possible.

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