Colorectal Cancer: 1 In 3 Skipping Lifesaving Screenings

One in three adults isn't getting screened for colorectal cancer when they should be, according to a new report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

While the total number of people being screened for colorectal cancer in the United States has increased over the last eight years -- from 52 percent in 2002 to 65 percent in 2010 -- screening rates are still too low among people ages 50 and 75, the Vital Signs report said.

Half of new detected cancer cases -- as well as prevented deaths -- are a result of increased colorectal cancer screenings, according to the report. From 2003 to 2007, 66,000 fewer people developed the disease, and 32,000 fewer people died from it.

Colorectal cancer screening is recommended for both men and women age 50 and older. There are various kinds of screenings; for more information, visit the CDC website.

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