Colorectal cancer is today the fourth malignant disease in the world after the breast, prostate and lung cancers, with a positive tendency for further growth. In Croatia, it is the second cause of death and the third in terms of incidence and mortality in both sexes. Colorectal cancer is one of the most common malignant diseases and one of major public health problems in Croatia. A questionnaire was conducted on part of the population to check participants awareness about this type of malignancy. The aim of the study was to examine the participants knowledge about colorectal cancer and the level of prevention and risk factors in their life habits. Quantitative descriptive data processing was done in the SPSS program for statistical processing. The study was conducted on 446 participants. The online questionnaire was completed by 366 participants and 80 participants filled the printed questionnaire. The survey was anonymous and voluntary. Participants in the study were members of both sexes, of different ages and heights, educational backgrounds and health professionals and members of the general population. There was a statistically significant difference in knowledge of colorectal cancer with respect to gender, age, place of residence (urban or rural area), level of education, and considering a positive personal or family medical history and the presence of some bowel diseases. More knowledge is shown by female participants, participants aged 31-49 years, participants living in an urban area, participants with a college education, participants working in health care and those with a positive family history or the presence of some bowel diseases. Such results demonstrate the importance of informing the general population about colorectal cancer in order to avoid risk factors and to identify diseases early and respond to preventive examinations.