Gunter et al (2006) showed an association between chronic low-grade inflammation, as evidenced by elevated C-reactive protein (CRP), with an increased risk of colorectal cancer. In addition, raised CRP is associated with an increased risk of developing early recurrence and poor outcome following colorectal surgery (McMillan et al, 1995, 2003; Canna et al, 2005). This evidence concerns the gene CRP and colorectal cancer.