What is the colorectal cancer screening age range most commonly cited for USPSTF guidelines?

• A. Adults generally in the 45-75 age range for screening
• B. Adults 50-75 age range
• C. Adults 40-65 age range
• D. Adults 60-80 age range

Answer: (A)

The main idea tested here is the age span USPSTF uses for routine colorectal cancer screening in average-risk adults. The guideline commonly cited is that adults should begin screening at age 45 and continue through age 75. This reflects evidence that screening provides clear benefits starting in the mid-life years and is well balanced with harms up to age 75. Outside this window, screening decisions become more individualized: before 45, routine screening isn’t recommended unless there are high-risk factors (family history, genetic syndromes, inflammatory bowel disease), and after 75, routine screening is generally not recommended unless a person is in good health with a life expectancy that justifies it.