We further analysed data without probands, using a multivariate Cox proportional hazard model, which revealed that Hakka ethnicity was associated with an increased CRC risk in both the total cohort (HR = 2.23, 95% CI = 1.36–3.64) and MLH1 germline mutation carriers (HR = 2.50, 95% CI = 1.42–4.39) (S2 Table). Here, MLH1 is linked to colorectal carcinoma.