Project 458539

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second most common cancer in Canada and is the second and third leading cause of cancer-related death among men and women, respectively. New cases of CRC are declining among those aged 50-74, largely driven by colorectal cancer screening programs. Currently, Canada recommends stool-based screening methods (FIT or FOBT) for those over 50 years old, with a positive test resulting in a colonoscopy. Although colonoscopy is an effective at screening for CRC, it is uncomfortable, expensive, and has the possibility of serious complications. CRC develops from abnormal growths known as polyps and being able to predict if a patient is going to have a polyp could greatly improve the efficiency of CRC screening by identifying those at highest risk for CRC. To date, only basic demographics such as age, weight, sex, and race have been used to predict a person's risk of CRC. We are hoping to be able to use a simple blood test to better predict cancer risk. By understanding how our blood sugar levels and underlying genetics are associated with colorectal cancer, we can potentially improve our ability to predict a person's CRC risk. Blood sugar levels and specific genetic markers have recently been shown to be associated with CRC, and their levels can easily be measured with a simple blood test. If we can better triage people into high and low risk categories we could greatly improve patient care through the reduction of unnecessary colonoscopies and promote cancer prevention.