A nurse at a provider’s office is talking about routine screenings with a 45-year-old female client who has no specific family history of cancer or diabetes. Which statement indicates understanding how to proceed?

A nurse at a provider’s office is talking about routine screenings with a 45-year-old female client who has no specific family history of cancer or diabetes. Which statement indicates understanding how to proceed?

• A. So I don’t need the colon cancer procedure for another 2 or 3 years
• B. For now, I should continue to have a mammogram each year
• C. Because the doctor just did a Pap smear, come back next year for another one
• D. Had my blood glucose test last year, so I won’t need it again for 4 years

Answer: (B)

The main idea being tested is following age-appropriate screening intervals. For a 45-year-old average-risk woman, continuing an annual mammogram fits common practice and demonstrates understanding of breast cancer screening timing. Colon cancer screening should begin at age 45 for average risk, so waiting several years isn’t correct. Pap smears are not routinely done every year after a recent one; the interval is typically every 3 years (or every 5 years with HPV testing). Blood glucose screening for diabetes is recommended starting at 45 and repeated every 3 years if normal, not a 4-year gap. So the statement about continuing yearly mammograms best reflects proper screening approach.

The main idea being tested is following age-appropriate screening intervals. For a 45-year-old average-risk woman, continuing an annual mammogram fits common practice and demonstrates understanding of breast cancer screening timing. Colon cancer screening should begin at age 45 for average risk, so waiting several years isn’t correct. Pap smears are not routinely done every year after a recent one; the interval is typically every 3 years (or every 5 years with HPV testing). Blood glucose screening for diabetes is recommended starting at 45 and repeated every 3 years if normal, not a 4-year gap. So the statement about continuing yearly mammograms best reflects proper screening approach.