Over the last twenty years, the incidence rate of colorectal cancer among patients age 55 and younger has grown significantly. With this increased frequency of the disease among those ages 20-54 has come several prevention steps recommended by gastroenterologists. These steps include regular screenings for people beginning at age 50 (or age 45 for African Americans, or earlier for those with a family history of colorectal cancer). For those with a parent or sibling with a history of the disease, their screenings should begin 10 years before the first family diagnosis. Other important prevention steps include losing weight, avoiding highly process meats, and regularly exercising.