In addition to the genetic changes, DNA methylation alterations were also shown in the mutation hot-spot regions of 12 analyzed, CRC-associated, frequently mutated genes including, TP53, APC, KRAS, BRAF, and FBXW7. Global hypomethylation – which might be linked to genetic instability - could be detected as early as the adenoma stage. Here, BRAF is linked to adenoma.