According to the research, colorectal cancer is the fourth most diagnosed malignancy as well as the second most common cause of cancer death in the United States. Approximately 132 000 new cases are diagnosed every year (96,000 colon and 36,000 rectum). Every year about 56,500 die from colorectal cancer (47,700 colon and 8,800 rectum). While the preferred method of treatment is surgery and results in a cure in approximately 58 percent of patients, there is significant evidence that early detection is the key to treatment. This form of cancer is one of the most treatable with an almost 100 percent cure rate in the earliest stages. In the majority though the diagnosis is made when the tumor is at an advanced stage. Early diagnosis of the tumor is therefore essential. This article will discuss the methods currently used for detection and prevention for colorectal cancer and the appropriateness for each.