Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer and the fourth cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. In an attempt to raise awareness on this situation, and to implement preventive measures, March 31st has been established as international colorectal cancer awareness day. Our country, with the Spanish "Alianza para la Prevención del Cáncer de Colon", pioneered in 2008 an institution that brought together scientific and civil societies to pursue this goal. A stabilization, even a decrease in the incidence and mortality of this condition has been reported in western countries for the last few years, which may be attributed to a number of highly relevant factors.