Colon cancer screening is end-dated at what age due to risk of colonic perforation?

Colon cancer screening is end-dated at what age due to risk of colonic perforation?

• A. 75
• B. 65
• C. 80
• D. 70

Answer: (A)

Screening is stopped when the potential harms of the test start to outweigh the benefits, and for colon cancer screening the risk of serious complications like colonic perforation increases with age. In average‑risk adults, the net benefit of continuing routine screening diminishes after about age 75 because many people have limited life expectancy and the chance of a procedure‑related perforation rises, making ongoing screening less favorable. That’s why the end date commonly cited is 75. The other ages would either cut screening too early or extend it into a range where the balance tips toward more risk than benefit.

Screening is stopped when the potential harms of the test start to outweigh the benefits, and for colon cancer screening the risk of serious complications like colonic perforation increases with age. In average‑risk adults, the net benefit of continuing routine screening diminishes after about age 75 because many people have limited life expectancy and the chance of a procedure‑related perforation rises, making ongoing screening less favorable. That’s why the end date commonly cited is 75. The other ages would either cut screening too early or extend it into a range where the balance tips toward more risk than benefit.