In the univariate analysis, patient age (p < 0.001), race (p = 0.040), preoperative CEA level (p < 0.001), differentiation type (p < 0.001), histological classification (p < 0.001), tumor size (p < 0.001), pT stage (p < 0.001), pN stage (p < 0.001), the presence of PNI (p < 0.001), CRM involvement (p < 0.001) and lymph node yield (p = 0.043) were significantly associated with survival outcome of rectal cancer patients. The gene discussed is CEACAM5; the disease is neoplasm.