Colorectal cancer 2000. Education and screening are essential if outcomes are to improve

Mortality from colorectal cancer is less threatening than it was 10 years ago, but this cancer is still a leading cause of death in the United States and the world. Careful history taking, education about the importance of a high-fiber, low-fat diet and exercise, and regular screening are important steps in improving outcomes. For the busy primary care physician and the equally busy patient, prevention can become a low priority. However, the benefits of early preventive intervention are clearly worth the effort.