Colorectal cancer (CRC) once predominantly affected older individuals, but in recent years has witnessed a progressive increase in incidence among young adults. Once rare, early-onset colorectal cancer (EOCRC, that is, a CRC diagnosed before the age of 50) now constitutes 10-15% of all newly diagnosed CRC cases and it stands as the first cause of cancer-related death in young men and the second for young women.
This study aims to detect EOCRC with a non-invasive test, using a blood-based molecular assay based on microRNA (ribonucleic acid)
Stage I, II, III, IV colorectal cancer (TNM classification, 8th edition) diagnosed before the age of 50 (EOCRC cases)
Received standard diagnostic and staging procedures as per local guidelines, and at least one sample was drawn before receiving any curative-intent treatment
Colonoscopy-proven cancer-free status at the time of study inclusion (Non-disease controls)
Hereditary colorectal cancer syndromes (identified through genetic testing)
Inflammatory bowel diseases
Lack of written informed consent