Introduction. Colorectal cancer is one of the major socialeconomic problems in the world. Epidemiology research shows growing tendency of incidents and deaths in both males and females all over the world. Aim. The objective was to find out about the knowledge of colorectal cancer by people living in rural and urban areas of Świętokrzyskie voivodeship. Material and methods. 40 respondents between the age of 50 and 80 took part in the research. Half of the respondents was representing rural areas and other half was representing urban areas. Author’s questionnaire was used as a research tool. Questionnaire consisted of 13 closed questions related to the level of knowledge of colorectal cancer. Results. Obtained results were subject to comparative analysis. Level of general knowledge of colorectal cancer was average (61%). There was a difference in level of knowledge between the rural residents (48%) and urban residents (66%). This difference was present in each question. Only 16 respondents knew about the risk factors (11 respondents from urban group and 5 respondents from rural group). Conclusions. Level of knowledge about the colorectal cancer was average for urban areas and low for rural areas. Educational and Prophylactic programmes should be created. These should concentrate on rural areas.

Key words: colorectal cancer, prophylaxis, risk factors, method, treatment.