Approved Research

A comprehensive evaluation of risk factors distinct to early-onset colorectal cancer

Lay summary

Early onset colorectal cancer (EOCRC) is becoming more common, and it's essential to understand what causes it. Several factors have been suggested as potential causes, including age, genetics, diet, physical activity, obesity, and more. Nuanced risk factors - like telomere length and body composition - have also been suggested, but are under-investigated. It's important to comprehensively evaluate all these factors together, and also understand whether and how these risk factors impact EOCRC specifically (by comparing their impact on colorectal cancers in persons >50). This study aims to answer two important questions. First, it wants to understand the various factors that might lead to EOCRC, including telomere length and body composition. Second, we compare risk factors between EOCRC and colorectal cancer that occurs later in life. We will do this by conducting a large analysis of the UK Biobank data, using univariable and multivariable logistic regressions. We will explore a wide variety of risk factors, and evaluate their association with EOCRC and later-onset CRC. The project is expected to be completed and published within 24 months. The public health impact is substantial. EOCRCs have increased by >2% annually, and we need to understand risk factors so we can prevent and screen for EOCRC. We will use the generated results to then risk-stratify persons and ultimately, recommend screening strategies based on personalized risk.