Investigating risk factors for early-onset colorectal cancer

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

Observational San Raffaele University · NCT05732623

This study is trying to find out what lifestyle and dietary factors might increase the risk of developing colorectal cancer in people under 50.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment2300 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 49 Years
SexAll
SponsorSan Raffaele University Academic / other
Drugs / interventionschemotherapy
Locations8 sites (Denver, Colorado and 7 other locations)
Trial IDNCT05732623 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to identify both exogenous and endogenous risk factors associated with early-onset colorectal cancer (eoCRC), defined as colorectal cancer diagnosed before the age of 50. It will involve a multicenter, retrospective case-control design, where patients diagnosed with eoCRC within the last two years will be compared to healthy controls matched by age and sex. The study will utilize a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire to assess dietary habits and other lifestyle factors that may contribute to the development of eoCRC.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include individuals aged 18 to 49 who have been recently diagnosed with early-onset colorectal cancer.

Not a fit: Patients diagnosed with colorectal cancer at age 50 or older, or those with conditions that significantly alter dietary habits, may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance understanding of dietary and lifestyle factors that contribute to early-onset colorectal cancer, potentially leading to improved prevention strategies.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have indicated a correlation between dietary patterns and colorectal cancer risk, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* All sexes eligible
* (for Cases) eoCRC diagnosed between 18 and 49 years and confirmed by histology (biopsy or surgical specimen in case of surgery)
* (for Controls) negative past and present history of cancer; negative fecal occult blood test (FOBT), or negative colonoscopy.

Exclusion Criteria:

* CRC diagnosed at ≥ 50 years
* Diseases that can modify the dietary regimen (celiac disease, diabetes)
* Diseases that are known to predispose to eoCRC (personal past or recent history of inflammatory bowel disease, past history of pelvic irradiation)
* Unable to give written consents and to fill in the electronic questionnaire

Where this trial is running

Denver, Colorado and 7 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Colorectal CancerEarly Onset Colorectal CancerDiet HabitRisk ReductionEarly onsetYoung onsetYoung adultColon cancer
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.