Major Grant

IARC in partnership with the Wellcome Sanger Institute (UK), secured a major European Research Council (ERC) Synergy Grant to investigate the rising incidence of early-onset colorectal cancer (diagnosed before age 50) globally.

The six-year study will gather blood, stool and colorectal tissue samples from more than 3 000 individuals across 10 countries—including early- and late-onset patients and healthy controls—to examine whether genotoxic gut bacteria produce DNA-mutational signatures found in young-onset colorectal tumours.

While overall colorectal cancer incidence has declined in many regions, rates among younger adults have increased sharply.

Strategies

The research aims to uncover biological mechanisms, identify biomarkers, and inform prevention strategies tailored to younger populations. By focusing on gut microbiome interactions and DNA damage pathways, the project addresses a key shift in cancer epidemiology and underscores IARC’s commitment to advancing knowledge for prevention and control.

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