Of cancers affecting both men and women, colorectal cancer (cancer of the colon and rectum) is the second leading cancer killer in the United States. In the U.S. in 2009,* 136,717 people were diagnosed with colorectal cancer, and 51,848 people died from it.† CDC helps prevent colorectal cancer by building partnerships, encouraging screening, supporting education and training, and conducting surveillance and research.
*Latest year for which statistics are available. †Source: USCS.
Features
Colorectal Cancer Control Program
The program supports population-based screening efforts and provides colorectal cancer screening to low-income adults.
Personal Screening Stories
Read the accounts of several people who describe why they were screened and what they experienced.
Screen for Life Campaign
In new TV and radio public service announcements, actress Meryl Streep says, "Take control. Do everything you can to prevent colorectal cancer."
March Is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month
Screening could prevent up to 60% of deaths from this cancer.
Send a Health-e-Card!
Remind someone you care about to get screened for colorectal cancer with CDC's This Is Personal electronic greeting card featuring Terrence Howard.
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