The Study
The purpose of the COLON study is to provide a scientifically substantiated answer to the question whether nutrition and lifestyle affect the disease course of colorectal cancer. To achieve this, we examine a lot of different factors such as:
- Dietary- and lifestyle patterns
- Vitamin D status
- Body composition
- Metabolites in blood
We collect information about all these factors from about 2000 colorectal cancer patients. This is done using questionnaires and blood measurements.
Subsequently, we examine whether diet, dietary supplements and lifestyle affect the disease course. This information could help future colorectal cancer patients to reduce the risk of recurrence of the disease.
More information
Structure of the study
At various time points after the diagnosis measurements will be performed and medical information will be retrieved in the future as well.
We ask participants in the COLON study to fill out questionnaires and to donate a blood sample at various intervals over a period of five years. We use four questionnaires in the COLON study:
- General questionnaire which includes questions about length, weight, medication, physical exercise and medical history
- Comprehensive dietary questionnaire
- Dietary supplement questionnaire
- Quality of life questionnaire
Participation in the study
Only colorectal cancer patients who are receiving treatment at one of the cooperating hospitals can participate in the study. The attending doctor or nurse will invite the potential participant for participation.
Participation in the study is entirely voluntary and does not affect the treatment at the hospital. Furthermore, participants may withdraw from the study at any given time without having to state the reasons.
As of March 1, 2020, no new participants can participate in the COLON study.