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Screen for Life: National Colorectal Cancer Action Campaign Photo of a man and woman laughing

Spotlight on Screen for Life

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Colorectal Cancer Screening Saves Lives

Having regular screening tests beginning at age 50 could save your life. Colorectal cancers almost always develop from precancerous polyps (abnormal growths) in the colon or rectum. Screening tests can find polyps, which can be removed before they turn into cancer. Screening tests can also find colorectal cancer early, when treatment works best and the chance for a full recovery is very high.

Screen for Life informs men and women aged 50 years or older about the importance of having regular colorectal cancer screening tests. The campaign is designed, created, and implemented by CDC and its federal partner, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, with technical support from the National Cancer Institute.

CDC's Screen for Life campaign includes a variety of resources in English and Spanish, including information about colorectal cancer and facts on screening.


Some Facts about Colorectal Cancer

Who is at risk for developing colorectal cancer?

  • Most colorectal cancers – more than 90% – are diagnosed in people aged 50 years and older. The risk for developing colorectal cancer increases with age.
  • A family history of colorectal cancer or colorectal polyps increases a person’s risk of developing colorectal cancer.
  • Certain diseases of the intestines, including inflammatory bowel disease (ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease), can increase risk for colorectal cancer.

Do you have more questions about colorectal cancer or colorectal cancer screening? Visit Screen for Life Questions and Answers Web page for more information.

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Universal symbol for colorectal cancer

A New Symbol for Colorectal Cancer Awareness is Released

The National Colorectal Cancer Roundtable (NCCRT) has created a new universal symbol for colorectal cancer. The symbol will be used to raise awareness and represents the collective fight to prevent colorectal cancer. It is meant to embody power, hope, and awareness. The star serves as a tribute to those who have died from colorectal cancer and also symbolizes hope for the future. The ribbon reminds us to maintain awareness of colorectal cancer.

NCCRT is a national coalition of more than 50 public, private, and voluntary organizations. The NCCRT serves as a forum through which members share information, identify needs and opportunities, and address gaps in research, programs, activities, and services related to colorectal cancer. It also provides leadership, advocacy, and long-range planning to reduce the national burden of colorectal cancer. CDC is a founding member of the NCCRT.

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Colorectal Cancer Related Links


PDF icon Please note: Some of these publications are available for download only in Portable Document Format (PDF). These files require Adobe Acrobat Reader in order to be viewed. Please review the information on using and downloading Acrobat Reader software.

*Links to non-Federal organizations found at this site are provided solely as a service to our users. These links do not constitute an endorsement of these organizations or their programs by CDC or the Federal Government, and none should be inferred. The CDC is not responsible for the content of the individual organization Web pages found at these links.


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Page last reviewed: Friday, March 19, 2004

United States Department of Health and Human Services
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion
Division of Cancer Prevention and Control