IARC Meeting Advances Global Research into Early-Onset Colorectal Cancer

May 28 2026 · Katie Cremin

Dr Noor Kherreh of the University of Limerick recently represented Ireland at a major international meeting hosted by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) as part of the Causes of the Global Increase in Early-Onset Colorectal Cancer (ECCE) project.

Held in Lyon, France, the meeting brought together researchers from 13 countries to advance a global research effort investigating the rising incidence of early-onset colorectal cancer (eoCRC) in adults under the age of 50.

Representing the University of Limerick under the leadership of Prof. Aedín Culhane, Dr Kherreh presented Ireland's planned contribution to the ECCE consortium. The presentation highlighted the work of the eHealth Hub for Cancer and its collaboration with University Hospital Limerick to establish an Irish eoCRC cohort. Plans include patient recruitment, biospecimen collection, genomic sequencing, and clinical data integration to improve understanding of early-onset colorectal cancer in Ireland and contribute to international research efforts.

The ECCE project aims to uncover previously unidentified causes behind the global increase in early-onset colorectal cancer. Researchers will investigate whether novel environmental or biological exposures during childhood or early adulthood—including specific bacteria that may induce DNA changes—could be contributing to the disease.

Funded through a European Research Council Synergy Grant, the six-year initiative brings together researchers, clinicians, epidemiologists, and public health experts from around the world. The recent meeting focused on study implementation, participant recruitment, biospecimen collection, data harmonisation, and strengthening collaboration across participating centres.

Through its involvement in ECCE, the University of Limerick and the eHealth Hub for Cancer are contributing to a major international effort to identify risk factors, improve early detection, and ultimately help reverse the growing global burden of early-onset colorectal cancer.