American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) Certification Practice Exam

How often should individuals at greater than average risk for colon cancer be screened?

1. Every year

2. Every 3 years

3. Every 5 years

4. Every 10 years

The correct answer is: Every 5 years

Individuals at greater than average risk for colon cancer should be screened every 5 years. This recommendation aligns with guidelines established by various health organizations, which suggest that individuals with risk factors such as a personal or family history of colorectal cancer or adenomatous polyps begin screening earlier and more frequently than the general population. Screening every 5 years allows for the detection of precancerous lesions, such as adenomatous polyps, which can be removed during colonoscopy, thus preventing the development of colon cancer. In high-risk groups, surveillance is critical to catch any potential issues at a stage where interventions can be most effective. This schedule is a balance between ensuring timely detection and minimizing the risks associated with too frequent screening and the potential complications from invasive procedures. Yearly screening may lead to unnecessary procedures and increased healthcare costs without gaining significant benefits. Similarly, longer intervals like every 10 years would not adequately address the increased risk of cancer development in these individuals, which is why adherence to the 5-year interval is strongly supported in the clinical guidelines for high-risk populations.