Continuing Medical Education Questions: April 2023

Abstract

Article Title: Changes in Lifestyle and Risk of Colorectal Cancer in the European Prospective Investigation Into Cancer and Nutrition

LEARNING OBJECTIVE

After this activity, the participant will be able to identify the lifestyle-related risks associated with the subsequent risk of colorectal cancer (CRC).

QUESTION 1

A 48-year-old man with a history of hyperlipidemia and hypertension is referred to the office for CRC screening. He was never screened before, and his family history is unremarkable. His medications include atorvastatin and lisinopril. He drinks 3–4 beers per day, smokes 5 cigarettes per day, and rarely exercises. His body mass index (BMI) is 31 kg/m².

He asks if changing his lifestyle will have an impact on his risk of CRC. Which of the following is correct based on this article?

1. A decrease in alcohol consumption is associated with a decrease in CRC risk
2. A decrease in BMI is not associated with a decrease in CRC risk
3. An increase in physical activity is not associated with a decrease in CRC risk
4. Smoking cessation is associated with a decrease in CRC risk

QUESTION 2

Based on this study, which of the following statements is correct?

1. A decline from a favorable lifestyle to an unfavorable one does not impact CRC risk
2. An improvement from an unfavorable lifestyle to a favorable one reduces CRC risk
3. An improvement in the healthy lifestyle index (HLI) lowers CRC risk only in individuals with shorter follow-up
4. An improvement in the HLI score lowers CRC risk only in individuals with longer follow-up

QUESTION 3

Based on this study, which of the following can impact the subsequent risk of CRC?

1. Alcohol use
2. Weight
3. Smoking
4. All of the above