In familial adenomatous polyposis, colonoscopic surveillance begins at what age?

• A. 5 years
• B. 15 years
• C. 11 years
• D. 21 years

Answer: (C)

In familial adenomatous polyposis, polyps begin to develop during adolescence, so screening is timed to catch polyp formation early but before extensive burden accumulates. Starting colonoscopic surveillance around early adolescence allows detection and management of polyps before cancer risk escalates, without subjecting very young children to unnecessary procedures. The timing typically falls in the early teens, and 11 years is the commonly tested age to begin surveillance. Starting much earlier is usually not necessary, while starting later increases the chance that numerous polyps are already present. Thus, 11 years is the best answer.