Diet obEsity sMoking Epigenetics geneTics biomaRkers Physical Activity: An International Multicenter Case-control Study on Endogenous and Exogenous Risk Factors in Early-onset Colorectal Cancer

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are investigating early-onset colorectal cancer (eoCRC), which occurs before age 50, a condition that has been increasing worldwide. This international, multicenter case-control study explores how dietary, lifestyle, and anthropometric factors like smoking, alcohol use, physical activity, and body measurements relate to eoCRC risk. The study aims to better understand these risk factors in countries where eoCRC rates are rising compared to places with stable or decreasing rates. The study includes two parts: a validation of a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire (SQFFQ) using three 24-hour dietary recalls, and a retrospective case-control study with prospectively enrolled patients. Patients diagnosed with eoCRC within the last two years and healthy controls matched by age and sex will participate. Controls will undergo a fecal occult blood test to confirm health status. Data on diet, lifestyle, and clinical factors will be collected through an online platform with separate sections for participants and doctors. Participants will complete the SQFFQ reporting usual food and drink consumption over the past 2 years, along with lifestyle and anthropometric data such as BMI, smoking habits, physical activity, and medication use. Doctors will provide clinical details for patients. The study will measure the association between these factors and eoCRC risk over 10 years. Data confidentiality and ethical standards, including informed consent and GDPR compliance, are ensured. The study is expected to continue through 2035.

Exogenous and Endogenous Risk Factors for Early-onset Colorectal Cancer