At what age should average-risk individuals be switched from universal to more individualized colorectal cancer screening strategy?

At what age should average-risk individuals be switched from universal to more individualized colorectal cancer screening strategy?

• A. 65
• B. 85
• C. 75
• D. 90

Answer: (C)

The key idea here is balancing benefit and harm as people age. Screening for colorectal cancer provides clear benefit for those who are likely to live long enough to benefit from early detection, but the advantages diminish as life expectancy declines and the risks and burdens of testing rise. Around age 75, this balance tips toward individualized decisions rather than universal screening. If a person is in excellent health with a long remaining life expectancy, continuing screening after 75 can be considered on a case-by-case basis. However, routine universal screening is generally not recommended beyond 75, and by ages well into the 80s the net benefit is usually not favorable for average-risk individuals. So the age at which programs shift from universal to individualized screening is about 75.

The key idea here is balancing benefit and harm as people age. Screening for colorectal cancer provides clear benefit for those who are likely to live long enough to benefit from early detection, but the advantages diminish as life expectancy declines and the risks and burdens of testing rise. Around age 75, this balance tips toward individualized decisions rather than universal screening. If a person is in excellent health with a long remaining life expectancy, continuing screening after 75 can be considered on a case-by-case basis. However, routine universal screening is generally not recommended beyond 75, and by ages well into the 80s the net benefit is usually not favorable for average-risk individuals. So the age at which programs shift from universal to individualized screening is about 75.