CRP and anemia (phenotype): Colorectal cancer was associated with rectal bleeding (OR 3.72, 95%CI 2.31–5.55), abdominal pain or bloating (OR 2.96, 95%CI 2.30–3.74), family history of cancer (OR 2.44, 95%CI 1.24–3.82), diarrhoea (OR 1.93, 95%CI 1.33–2.66), elevated CRP (OR 1.76, 95%CI 1.22–2.45), most deprived socioeconomic group (OR 1.28, 95%CI 1.04–1.58), and anaemia (OR 1.34, 95%CI 1.13–1.60).