Improving precision prevention of colorectal cancer by accounting for familial risk

We will examine whether family history of colorectal cancer (CRC) modifies the associations between lifestyle factors (e.g., body mass index, alcohol intake, processed meat intake) and CRC risk. These factors have mostly been studied in individuals at low familial/ genetic CRC risk; we need research on those at higher risk. We will test our hypothesis that healthy lifestyle factors are important for reducing CRC risk, even for those at higher familial/genetic CRC risk, in 21 cohort studies in the Pooling Project of Prospective Studies of Diet and Cancer, a large international consortium. The evidence generated by this study will inform which lifestyle and dietary factors may reduce CRC risk, to enable appropriate prevention strategies and recommendations for individuals with different familial and genetic risk.