Scientific evidence shows that at least one third of deaths and 20% of cases of colorectal cancer (CRC) could be avoided if people 50 and older were screened regularly. But screening rates remain low, according to a new report in MMWR, a publication of the CDC. (March 9, 2001)

Colorectal cancer, cancer of the colon or rectum, is the second leading cancer killer in the U.S. This year, 135,400 men and women will learn they have it and 56,700 will die of it. But this cancer can often be prevented, through regular screening beginning at 50. Screening tests can find pre-cancerous polyps (abnormal growths) and they can be removed before they have a chance to turn cancerous. Screening can also find this cancer early. More than 90% of people whose colorectal cancer is found and treated early survive.

In the new CDC study, only 44% of more than 63,000 people surveyed said they were tested for this cancer (using either the fecal occult blood test, and/or sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy) within the recommended time intervals.

This study underscores the importance of Screen for Life: The National Colorectal Cancer Ac-tion Campaign, which encourages people over 50 to get tested for this cancer. The campaign was developed by CDC and the Health Care Financing Administration (which oversees Medicare).