Colorectal cancer stands as the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide, emphasizing the urgency of addressing this concerning public health issue.

A review by Giannopoulou et al (2023) delves into the latest advancements in diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers for this disease.

The molecular intricacies of colorectal cancer involve genetic and epigenetic anomalies, such as the APC/β-catenin pathway, microsatellite pathway, and CpG island hypermethylation. The role of the microbiota in colon carcinogenesis is also underlined in recent evidence, suggesting specific microbes can either contribute to or prevent cancer development. While progress in prevention and management has improved the overall prognosis, late-stage diagnosis and treatment failure still challenge metastatic disease’s long-term outlook.