SLC20A1 and colorectal carcinoma: Using the max-logistic competing risk factor models, we identified four critical DEGs, namely, CXCL8 (C-X-C Motif Chemokine Ligand 8), PSMC2 (Proteasome 26S Subunit, ATPase 2), APP (Amyloid Beta Precursor Protein), and SLC20A1 (Solute Carrier Family 20 Member 1), that demonstrated the highest sensitivity, specificity, and robustness for identifying CRC, compared to the existing literature.