Future randomised studies will demonstrate if the plasma TIMP-1 could be helpful for screening and detecting colorectal cancer beside digitorectal examination, faecal occult blood testing, recto-, sigmoido- and colonoscopy, DNA stool analysis and genetic testing.8,15 Screening has in oncology special value as patients with lower stages have better prognosis.16 Here, TIMP1 is linked to colorectal cancer.