Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States.
The estimates for new cases and deaths from CRC in 2001 are 135,400 and 56,700 respectively. However, CRC is one of the most preventable cancers, as well as one of the most curable cancers when detected at an early stage. Providers are encouraged to discuss CRC screening with their patients. Research conducted to support the National CRC Awareness Month Campaign found that nearly half of survey respondents who were 50 years of age or older reported that their doctors did not discuss CRC screening with them. However, nine out of 10 survey respondents reported that they underwent the CRC screening tests that were recommended by their physicians.