Questions and Answers
What is the primary cause of most colorectal cancers?
Which stool-based screening method is known to be more sensitive than guaiac-based fecal occult blood test?
What is the recommended age range for CRC screening in average-risk adults?
What is the interval for screening with colonoscopy in average-risk individuals with normal findings?
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Which symptom is NOT typically associated with colon cancer?
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What substance is used for complete bowel preparation before a colonoscopy?
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Which stool-based screening method does not require dietary restrictions?
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What is the screening recommendation for computed tomographic colonography (CTC)?
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How often does the USPSTF recommend screening with flexible sigmoidoscopy?
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Which of the following factors is associated with an increased risk of colorectal cancer and adenomatous polyps?
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What was the conclusion of the 2016 USPSTF guideline regarding aspirin use in the average-risk population?
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Which part of the colon is aspirin more effective in reducing cancer incidence?
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What is the evidence regarding the effect of increased fiber intake on colorectal cancer risk?
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What was discovered about vitamin D supplementation in relation to colorectal cancer risk?
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Is there significant evidence to support folic acid supplementation for decreasing the risk of adenomatous polyps?
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What is the stated relationship between hormone therapy and the risk of serrated polyps?
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What is the correct screening recommendation age range for individuals at average risk for colorectal cancer without prior symptoms?
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Which polyp types are primarily associated with the development of most colorectal cancers?
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What is the frequency of screening recommended for stool-based FIT tests?
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Which of the following tests allows for direct visualization of adenomatous polyps before they may progress to colorectal cancer?
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What incorrect statement regarding the guaiac-based fecal occult blood test (gFOBT) can be made regarding its recommendation?
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For what purpose is polyethylene glycol used in the context of colonoscopy?
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What are the limitations of both FIT and FIT-DNA tests in terms of polyp detection?
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How often should a colonoscopy be performed for average-risk individuals with normal findings?
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What is TRUE regarding bowel preparation for flexible sigmoidoscopy?
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Which dietary component has been suggested to decrease the risk of colorectal cancer in certain studies?
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Which activity is associated with an increased risk of colorectal cancer and adenomatous polyps?
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What is the effect of NSAIDs and COX-2 inhibitors on colorectal cancer risk?
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Which statement regarding the use of aspirin in the average-risk population is accurate?
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What is noted about the association between BMI reduction and colorectal cancer risk?
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What evidence exists regarding vitamin D supplementation and colorectal cancer risk?
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What is the relationship between hormone therapy and the risk of serrated polyps?
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Study Notes
Colon Cancer Symptoms and Screening
- Common symptoms of colon cancer include blood in the stool, stomach pain, and changes in bowel movements, such as size and frequency.
- Individuals without risk factors should begin colon cancer screening at age 50, continuing until age 75.
- For symptomatic individuals or those at risk, screening is recommended before the age of 50.
Polyps and Screening Recommendations
- Most colorectal cancers (CRCs) arise from adenomatous or serrated polyps due to sporadic mutations or DNA mismatch repair failures.
- The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) endorses CRC screening for average-risk adults between ages 50 and 75.
Stool-Based Screening Methods
- Stool-based screening options include the guaiac-based fecal occult blood test (gFOBT), fecal immunochemical test (FIT), and multitargeted stool DNA test (FIT-DNA).
- Office-based gFOBT is not recommended for CRC screening.
- FIT is more sensitive than gFOBT and requires no dietary restrictions, needing only one stool sample yearly.
- Both FIT and FIT-DNA have low sensitivity in detecting adenomatous and serrated polyps of 1 cm or larger.
Direct Visualization Tests
- Direct visualization testing, such as colonoscopy, computed tomographic colonography (CTC), and flexible sigmoidoscopy, can identify polyps before they develop into CRC.
- Polyethylene glycol is used for complete bowel preparation before colonoscopy.
- Colonoscopy is recommended every 10 years for average-risk individuals with normal findings.
- CTC screening is advised every 5 years.
- Flexible sigmoidoscopy also requires bowel preparation but does not necessitate sedation, with screening recommended every 5 years.
Medication and Lifestyle Factors
- Aspirin usage may decrease CRC incidence by 40%, but its routine use in average-risk populations is discouraged due to the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding and hemorrhagic stroke.
- Aspirin is most effective for preventing cancers in the proximal colon.
- NSAIDs and COX-2 inhibitors can lower the risk of CRC and adenomatous polyps.
- Smoking is associated with an increased risk of CRC and adenomatous polyps.
- Reducing body mass index (BMI) may decrease CRC risk.
Dietary Factors and Supplements
- Increased fiber intake has been found not to lower the risk of CRC or adenomatous polyp recurrence according to two Cochrane reviews.
- Higher red meat consumption is linked to an elevated risk of CRC.
- Calcium supplementation is associated with a reduced risk of adenomatous polyps and CRC based on observational studies.
- No supportive evidence exists for folic acid supplementation decreasing adenomatous polyp risk.
- Hormone therapy shows no significant association with the risk of developing serrated polyps.
- Some observational data suggest statin use may lower the risk of advanced adenomatous polyps, but randomized controlled trial (RCT) data are lacking.
- No evidence supports that Vitamin D supplementation decreases CRC risk.
Colon Cancer Symptoms and Screening
- Common symptoms include blood in the stool, stomach pain, and changes in bowel movements, such as stool size.
- Routine screening for colon cancer is recommended starting at age 50 until age 75 for average-risk individuals.
- Individuals with symptoms or at risk should be screened before age 50.
Polyps and Causes
- Most colorectal cancers (CRCs) arise from adenomatous or serrated polyps due to sporadic mutations or DNA mismatch repair issues.
Stool-Based Screening Methods
- Stool-based screening options include:
- Guaiac-based fecal occult blood test (gFOBT)
- Fecal immunochemical test (FIT)
- Multitargeted stool DNA test (FIT-DNA)
- gFOBT is not recommended for CRC screening in office settings.
- FIT is more sensitive than gFOBT and does not require dietary restrictions; it only needs a single stool sample.
- FIT testing should be performed yearly, but both FIT and FIT-DNA tests show poor sensitivity for detecting large adenomatous and serrated polyps (≥1 cm).
Direct Visualization Tests
- Tests like colonoscopy, computed tomographic colonography (CTC or virtual colonoscopy), and flexible sigmoidoscopy can identify adenomatous and serrated polyps before they progress to CRC.
- Polyethylene glycol is used for complete bowel preparation prior to colonoscopy.
- Colonoscopy is recommended every 10 years for average-risk individuals if normal findings and adequate bowel preparation are observed.
- CTC screening is recommended every 5 years.
- Flexible sigmoidoscopy requires bowel preparation but does not require sedation, with screenings recommended every five years.
Risk Factors and Preventative Measures
- Aspirin can reduce CRC incidence by approximately 40%, but guidelines advise against its use in average-risk populations due to bleeding risks.
- Aspirin is more effective for colorectal cancers in the proximal colon.
- NSAIDs and COX-2 inhibitors may lower the risk of CRC and adenomatous polyps.
- Smoking is associated with an increased risk of CRC and adenomatous polyps.
- Reducing body mass index (BMI) decreases CRC risk.
- Increased consumption of red meat raises CRC risk.
- Calcium supplementation is linked to a reduced risk of adenomatous polyps and CRC in observational studies.
- Evidence does not support folic acid supplementation for reducing adenomatous polyp risk.
- Hormone therapy exhibits no significant association with the risk of serrated polyps.
- Some observational data indicate statin use may lower the risk of advanced adenomatous polyps, but randomized controlled trial data is lacking.
- No evidence suggests Vitamin D supplementation decreases CRC risk.
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Description
Test your knowledge about colon cancer symptoms, screening guidelines, and polyp types with this informative quiz. Understand when and how to get screened, and recognize the importance of early detection in preventing colorectal cancer.
