The expression levels of miR-26a are associated with the malignant degrees of CRC cells.
Further outcomes are to detect the frequency of colorectal neoplasms (CRC and advanced adenomas) in 1st degree relatives of CRC patients and the kinds of variables that are associated with an increased risk of CRC.
Secondary research questions are: What is the frequency of colorectal neoplasms (CRC and advanced adenomas) in 1st degree relatives of CRC patients in a German GP setting?
Epidemiological studies indicate that first degree relatives of CRC survivors (parents, siblings, or offspring) have a 1.6 to 8-times higher life time risk of CRC than those without a family history, the strength of the relationship varying according to age at diagnosis in the index case, type of relative, and the number of relatives affected [ 15].
Secondary aims are to detect the frequency of occurrence of colorectal neoplasms (CRC and advanced adenomas) in 1st degree relatives of CRC patients and to identify the variables (e.g. demographic, genetic, epigenetic and proteomic characteristics) that are associated with it.
The was further classified into 2 groups: one with a high degree of fear of CRC (n = 65, 83.1% follow-up rate) and one with a low degree of fear of CRC (n = 78, 66.7% follow-up rate).
Other potential confounders like first-degree family history of CRC, educational level, number of pregnancies longer than 6 months, induced menopause (bilateral oophorectomy, radiation therapy, or chemotherapy), lifetime physical activity, or frequent intake of red meat, fruits, and vegetables did not materially influence the estimates, and were not included in the model.
The next most appropriate explanatory variable detected in the subgroup with a high degree of fear of CRC was employment status.
On the other hand, for the subgroup with a lower degree of fear of CRC, no appropriate explanatory variable meeting the criteria was detected.
Participants included both average CRC risk (50 75 years of age and no personal or first-degree family history of CRC or polyps) and increased CRC risk (40 75 years of age with a personal or first-degree family history of CRC or polyps).
