Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer Despite its preventability, colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer diagnosed and the second leading cause of cancer deaths among men and women. Many people do not realize that colorectal cancer is preventable if screenings are done on a regular basis. Screening for cancer is a way of looking for disease before there are any symptoms. The Centers of Disease Control states that early detection and removal of abnormalities, such as polyps, through screening is an effective way of preventing colorectal cancer from developing.  Men and women age 50 and above should talk to their doctor about screening and early detection for colorectal cancer. More information is also available by following this link to the American Cancer Society.