A 55-year-old man undergoes curative resection for rectal cancer (T2N0M0). According to standard post-treatment surveillance guidelines, what is the recommended schedule for CEA monitoring and colonoscopy in the first 2 years?
- A CEA every 3 months; colonoscopy at 1 year only
- B CEA every 6 months; colonoscopy every year
- C CEA every 3-6 months; colonoscopy at 1 year and then every 3-5 years if normal ✓
- D CEA every 12 months; colonoscopy at 3 years
Correct answer: C. CEA every 3-6 months; colonoscopy at 1 year and then every 3-5 years if normal
Explanation
Standard surveillance after curative colorectal cancer resection includes CEA every 3-6 months for at least 3 years, and colonoscopy at 1 year (or 3-6 months if no preoperative colonoscopy due to obstruction). If normal, repeat colonoscopy at 3 years, then every 5 years. CT chest/abdomen/pelvis is done annually for high-risk stage II and stage III. This schedule is per NCCN and ASCO guidelines.
Reference: NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology: Colon/Rectal Cancer, 2024 ed.
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