NCLEX · Immunizations and Health Screening

At what age should colorectal cancer screening begin for average-risk adults according to current guidelines?

Correct answer

45

  1. A 50
  2. B 40
  3. C 60
  4. D 45

Why this is the answer

ACS updated its guideline in 2018 to recommend colorectal cancer screening beginning at age 45 for average-risk adults (previously 50). Options include annual FIT/FOBT, every 3-year FIT-DNA (Cologuard), every 5-year CT colonography or sigmoidoscopy, or colonoscopy every 10 years. Early detection dramatically improves survival rates — colorectal cancer caught at stage I has >90% 5-year survival vs ~15% at stage IV. LPN role: educate patients about screening options and reinforce the provider's screening recommendation.
Source: NCLEX-PN HP — Cancer Screening, Colorectal

Practice more questions

This question is from our NCLEX Practice Tests practice test. Take the full practice test to test your knowledge across all Immunizations and Health Screening and other topics.

Take the PN: Health Promotion and Maintenance practice test →

About this topic: Immunizations and Health Screening

Immunizations and health screening questions cover the childhood and adult vaccine schedules, contraindications, and the recommended screenings — blood pressure, cholesterol, cancer screening — by age and risk. This is one of 14 PN: Health Promotion and Maintenance questions on immunizations and health screening, each with a full explanation on a single study page.

New to this exam? Our NCLEX exam guide explains the format, scoring, and how to prepare.

Related questions

State-specific guides

Need information for your state? Our state guides cover local requirements, fees, and what to expect on exam day.