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Approved research

Genetic and environmental risk factors in colorectal cancer

Principal Investigator: Professor Aesun Shin
Approved Research ID: 44610
Approval date: March 13th 2019

Lay summary

Colorectal cancer is one of the most common malignancies worldwide. A substantial number of environmental and genetic risk factors as well as gene-environment interactions may play an important role in development and progression of colorectal cancer. This study aims to investigate the genetic and/or environmental risk factors in colorectal cancer. The study purposes are as follows: (1) to investigate associations between single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and colorectal cancer risk and/or survival, (2) to investigate associations between environmental factors and colorectal cancer risk and/or survival, (3) to investigate potential gene-environment interactions for colorectal cancer. Our results will help develop prevention strategies for colorectal cancer and eventually contribute to reduce future colorectal cancer burden. We request data from all colorectal cancer cases in the UK Biobank. For each case, we would match 2 controls to the case on age (5-year group), sex, ethnicity at DNA collection. Data about observed genotypes, imputed genotypes, environmental factors (age, sex, body mass index, family history of colorectal cancer, history of colorectal polyps, history of diabetes mellitus, alcohol drinking, smoking, regular exercise or physical activity, regular aspirin use, hormone replace therapy, and diet factors such as red and processed meat, dairy and milk consumption, etc.) as well as demographic factors were requested. For each case, we also request Data about observed mental health factors from online-follow-up (mental distress, depression, anxiety, traumatic events, self-harm behaviors, and happiness and subjective well-being) as well as death register from Health-related outcomes.