A limited number of fact sheets currently are available. They may be ordered or downloaded from CDC s Screen for Life Internet Site. Colorectal Cancer Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer related deaths for men and women in the United States. An estimated 130,200 new cases and 56,300 deaths from CRC were expected in 2000. More than one-third of colorectal cancer deaths could be avoided if people over 50 had regular screening tests.
Most colorectal cancers begin as polyps.
Colorectal cancer is one of the most preventable cancers. Screening tests can help prevent colorectal cancer by finding pre-cancerous polyps so they can be removed before they turn into cancer. Risk increases as we age. The risk of developing colorectal cancer increases with age. In fact, most cases occur in people 50 and older.