The association of rs1801275 (Q576R), a SNP affecting downstream IL-4Rα-mediated signalling linked to possible reduction in STAT-6 phosphorylation (22), with increased colonic cancer risk, but not CRC-related mortality, in females in our epidemiological study concurs with the stage-specific effects of IL-4Rα deletion demonstrated in the pre-clinical model. The gene discussed is STAT6; the disease is colorectal carcinoma.