Colorectal cancer is one of the most common cancers in the Netherlands; in both men and women it is the third most common type of cancer. Yearly more than 13,000 patients are diagnosed with colorectal cancer and over 5000 patients die of this disease. The incidence has increased gradually over time, whereas mortality has decreased. At time of diagnosis, almost half of patients have lymph node metastases or distant metastases. Relative 5-year survival is about 60%, but greatly depends on the stage of the disease at diagnosis. A nationwide colorectal cancer screening programme started in January 2014. All men and women aged 55-75 years will receive biennially an invitation to participate. Introduction of the screening programme will have an effect on the incidence, stage distribution, treatment and mortality of colorectal cancer.