One in three men and one in four women in Belgium are diagnosed with cancer before the age of 75. Despite important successes during the last decades, the mechanisms underlying the development and progression of cancer are only partially understood. Hence, cancer researchers are facing great challenges in their quest for better and targeted treatments.

Ghent University (UGent), Ghent University Hospital (UZ Gent) and VIB-UGent (a life sciences research institute in Flanders), have a strong history concerning cancer research. Over the years, different research teams acquired specific expertise that resulted in internationally renowned cancer research. In addition, clinical applications of novel treatments and diagnostic and prognostic tests were implemented. Many research activities and knowhow are however scattered over diverse campuses of UGent, UZ Gent and VIB-UGent.

CRIG's mission is to unite, stimulate and enhance the impact of cancer research at Ghent University, Ghent University Hospital and VIB-UGent.

Colorectal cancer, also known as bowel cancer, is the second most common cancer in women (after breast cancer) and the third most common cancer in men (after prostate and lung cancer). The cancer cells almost always arise from benign, non-cancerous polyps. However, it should be noted that not all polyps give rise to colorectal cancer.

More information: https://www.crig.ugent.be/