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Colorectal cancer screening — MCCQE Part 1 MCQ

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EasyPreventive MedicineColorectal cancer screeningMCCQE Part 1

A 55-year-old average-risk man asks about colorectal cancer screening. He has no gastrointestinal symptoms, no family history, and no prior screening. He prefers a non-invasive approach available through his provincial programme. What is the most appropriate screening/prevention?

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Correct answer: A — Faecal immunochemical testing at recommended programme intervals

For average-risk adults in Canada, stool-based screening such as FIT is commonly used in provincial programmes, with colonoscopy reserved after abnormal tests or higher-risk situations. Annual colonoscopy is excessive for average risk. No screening until age 60 conflicts with Canadian recommendations beginning earlier in many programmes and CTFPHC guidance for ages 50 to 74. CEA is not a screening test.

Reference: CTFPHC colorectal cancer screening; provincial screening programmes