Colorectal cancer screening may be performed by which method described in the guidelines?

• A. Colonoscopy every 10 years
• B. Blood test only
• C. Pelvic ultrasound
• D. Chest X-ray annually

Answer: (A)

Screening for colorectal cancer aims to identify cancer early and catch polyps before they become cancerous. Colonoscopy fits this purpose best because it allows direct visualization of the entire colon and, if polyps are found, removal during the same procedure, which can prevent cancer from developing. For average-risk individuals, guidelines commonly recommend colonoscopy every 10 years if results are normal. Other listed options don’t fit colorectal cancer screening: a blood test alone isn’t sufficient for screening, and pelvic ultrasound or a chest X-ray aren’t used to screen the colon for cancer.