Approved Research

Genetic and environmental factors for colorectal cancer incidence and prognosis

Lay summary

Colorectal cancer is one of the most common malignancies and leading cancer deaths worldwide. Both environmental and genetic risk factors as well as their interactions play an important role in the development and progression of colorectal cancer. This project aims to investigate the effect of genetic and/or environmental factors on colorectal cancer etiology. The purposes of this study are as follows: (1) to identify single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with colorectal cancer risk and/or prognosis, (2) to examine causal relationship between lifestyle and modifiable factors and colorectal cancer risk and/or prognosis, (3) to investigate potential gene-environment interactions in colorectal cancer. Our results will inform prevention strategies for colorectal cancer and eventually contribute to reduce future colorectal cancer burden.

We request data from all participants in the UK Biobank. Data about measured and imputed genotype, all assay data, environmental factors as well as demographic factors were requested. For each participant, we also request data about observed mental health and dietary factors from online-follow-up as well as death register from Health-related outcomes.