Summary: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the 3rd most common cancer in Poland for men and women, and its incidence has been gradually increasing over the years. CRC develops within colorectal polyps, however the process generally takes several years. There are multiple risk factors of CRC which have been identified and many of them can be eliminated by changing one’s lifestyle. Early symptoms such as rectal bleeding, change in bowel habits and abdominal pain should raise suspicions of a developing neoplasm. Periodical faecal occult blood tests as well as colonoscopy once in 10 years reduces the incidence and mortality due to the CRC. Modern surgical approaches and new oncological treatments give a chance for better quality of life and increased survival time. A proper preoperative preparation of the patient allows for reducing the risk of complications and improves outcomes. Patients with CRC often have reduced quality of life and are at increased risk of developing depression.