Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer and the third leading cause of cancer death in both men and women in the United States. In 2014, an estimated 71,830 men and 65,000 women will be diagnosed with colorectal cancer, and 26,270 men and 24,040 women will die from the disease. The majority of deaths (29% in men and 43% in women) will occur in individuals aged 80 years and older. Incidence and mortality rates are highest among blacks and lowest among Asians/Pacific Islanders. Overall, incidence rates have decreased by approximately 3% per year during the past decade, with the largest drops occurring in adults aged 65 and older. Mortality rates have declined by approximately 2% per year during the 1990s and by approximately 3% per year during the past decade. Improving access to and use of screening and standard treatment can accelerate progress in reducing colorectal cancer death rates.Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer and the third leading cause of cancer death in both men and women in the United States. In 2014, an estimated 71,830 men and 65,000 women will be diagnosed with colorectal cancer, and 26,270 men and 24,040 women will die from the disease. The majority of deaths (29% in men and 43% in women) will occur in individuals aged 80 years and older. Incidence and mortality rates are highest among blacks and lowest among Asians/Pacific Islanders. Overall, incidence rates have decreased by approximately 3% per year during the past decade, with the largest drops occurring in adults aged 65 and older. Mortality rates have declined by approximately 2% per year during the 1990s and by approximately 3% per year during the past decade. Improving access to and use of screening and standard treatment can accelerate progress in reducing colorectal cancer death rates.