Which client should have priority in scheduling for a screening colonoscopy?

Which client should have priority in scheduling for a screening colonoscopy?

• A. Nonie Masseur, age 48, who has a sister recently diagnosed with colon cancer
• B. Norma Williams, age 36, who has hemorrhoids
• C. Nancy Morgan, age 42, who has irritable bowel syndrome
• D. Anne Daniels, age 29, who has tested positive for the BRCA1 gene mutation

Answer: (A)

Prioritize screening for those with higher cancer risk. A first-degree relative with colon cancer markedly raises an individual’s risk and calls for earlier, more proactive screening. The client whose sister was recently diagnosed is the one with the strongest indication for prompt colonoscopy, often starting around age 40 or 10 years before the relative’s age at diagnosis and with closer follow-up. The other scenarios don’t carry the same level of urgency for colorectal screening: hemorrhoids and irritable bowel syndrome are not in themselves reasons to rush colonoscopy, and a BRCA1 mutation mainly increases risk for breast and ovarian cancers, not colorectal cancer.

Prioritize screening for those with higher cancer risk. A first-degree relative with colon cancer markedly raises an individual’s risk and calls for earlier, more proactive screening. The client whose sister was recently diagnosed is the one with the strongest indication for prompt colonoscopy, often starting around age 40 or 10 years before the relative’s age at diagnosis and with closer follow-up.

The other scenarios don’t carry the same level of urgency for colorectal screening: hemorrhoids and irritable bowel syndrome are not in themselves reasons to rush colonoscopy, and a BRCA1 mutation mainly increases risk for breast and ovarian cancers, not colorectal cancer.