Exploration of Risk Factors for Colorectal Cancer Based on Mendelian Randomization Analysis

Abstract

Colorectal cancer (CRC), encompassing both colon and rectal cancers, is one of the most prevalent cancers in the digestive system. It consistently ranks among the top three cancers in terms of both incidence and mortality, representing a major public health concern. Early prevention of CRC can significantly improve patient survival rates and quality of life. Therefore, identifying its causative factors is of paramount importance. A variety of factors, including diet, lifestyle, and genetics, are closely related to the occurrence of CRC. However, traditional research methods face numerous limitations when exploring the causal relationship between potential risk factors and CRC, resulting in slow progress and unmet expectations. Mendelian Randomization (MR) is an epidemiological technique that utilizes genetic variants as instrumental variables (IVs) to determine causal links between exposures and outcomes. By applying Mendelian inheritance laws, where alleles from parents are randomly assigned to offspring, MR analysis is less affected by environmental and behavioral factors and can effectively reduce confounding biases, thus enhancing the accuracy of causal inference. MR analysis is increasingly playing an important role in identifying CRC risk factors. This article reviews the relationship between potential causative factors and the risk of CRC, as well as the possible underlying mechanisms, and discusses the implications of research in this field for the early prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of CRC.