Colorectal cancer, cancer of the colon or rectum, affects both men and women.  Approximately 90 percent of colorectal cancers and deaths are thought to be preventable.

The risk of developing colorectal cancer increases with age. Starting at age 50, men and women who are at average risk for the disease should get screened. Some people are at a higher risk for developing colorectal cancer and may need to be tested earlier. Because of disproportionate screening, minorities, particularly African-Americans and Hispanics, are more likely to be diagnosed with colorectal cancer in advanced stages. As a result, death rates are higher for these populations than they are for white Americans. Recent research has shown that African Americans are more frequently diagnosed at a younger age, and experts now suggest that African Americans begin screening at age 45.

Source – Cancer Research and Prevention Foundation