On multivariate analysis stage (HR 3.37, 95% CI 1.37–8.29, P=0.008), grade (HR 2.01, 95% CI 1.14–3.57, P=0.017) and preoperative C-reactive protein (HR 3.31, 95% CI 1.09–10.09, P=0.035) were independently associated with cancer-specific survival. The gene discussed is CRP; the disease is cancer.