Cancer Screening and Prevention Flashcards

The ACS recommends that average-risk adults begin colorectal cancer screening at which age?

Answer: 45 years

The ACS updated its recommendation in 2018 to begin colorectal cancer screening at age 45 for average-risk adults due to rising incidence in younger populations.

Which cervical cancer screening strategy is currently recommended for average-risk women aged 30–65?

Answer: Co-testing with Pap smear and HPV test every 5 years OR Pap smear alone every 3 years

ASCCP and USPSTF guidelines recommend co-testing every 5 years or cytology alone every 3 years for women aged 30–65 at average risk.

Sun protection is the primary prevention strategy for which type of skin cancer?

Answer: Melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers (BCC, SCC)

UV radiation from sunlight and tanning beds is the primary modifiable risk factor for melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma.

The PSA screening recommendation for prostate cancer emphasizes:

Answer: Shared decision-making with men aged 55–69 after discussing benefits and harms

USPSTF and ACS guidelines emphasize individualized shared decision-making for men aged 55–69, acknowledging the benefit of early detection versus overdiagnosis and overtreatment harms.

Aspirin chemoprevention is associated with reduced risk of which cancer when taken long-term?

Answer: Colorectal cancer

Long-term aspirin use reduces colorectal cancer incidence and mortality by inhibiting COX-2-mediated prostaglandin synthesis that promotes colonic adenoma growth.

Tobacco cessation counseling is a primary prevention intervention most critically indicated for which cancer risk reduction?

Answer: Lung, head and neck, bladder, esophageal, and pancreatic cancers

Tobacco is carcinogenic across multiple organ systems — smoking causes 30% of all cancer deaths and cessation reduces risk for at least 12 different cancer types.