11 genes (BCAT1, COL4A2, DLX5, FGF5, FOXF1, FOXI2, GRASP, IKZF1, IRF4, SDC2 and SOX21) show very low methylation levels in wbc DNA from healthy subjects and hence are suitable for further evaluation as blood-based CRC diagnostic biomarkers. The gene discussed is IRF4; the disease is colorectal carcinoma.