American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) Certification Practice Exam

At what age range is routine colonoscopy screening recommended?

1. 45-70 years

2. 50-75 years

3. 60-80 years

4. 55-75 years

The correct answer is: 50-75 years

Routine colonoscopy screening is recommended starting at age 45 and continuing until age 75, based on guidelines from various health organizations, including the United States Preventive Services Task Force. This recommendation is aimed at early detection and prevention of colorectal cancer, which has a higher incidence in individuals over 45. The choice of this age range also considers the balance between benefits and risks of screening, as the risk of developing colorectal cancer increases with age. The upper limit of 75 years allows for a reasonable timeframe for screening while considering life expectancy and the general health of individuals in that age group, ensuring that the benefits of screening outweigh any potential harms. In contrast, some of the other options are incorrect due to their lower starting ages or broader ranges that extend beyond the recommended screening range, which may not be necessary or beneficial for all people.