Zhu B, Zhang J, Zheng Q, et al. - In this case-control study, researchers sought to identify the diagnostic ability of free fatty acids (FFAs) in younger colorectal cancer (CRC) patients by comparing carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA19-9). From January 2011 to December 2014, patients screened for CRC at Fujian Medical University Union Hospital were enlisted. Patients pathologically diagnosed with CRC or colorectal adenoma (CA) and healthy control candidates were involved. The FFA level not only complements CEA and CA19-9 in terms of predictive ability, but it also outperforms them in female and younger CRC patients. Furthermore, the FFA level can differentiate TNM stage III and IV CRC patients from stage I and II CRC patients. The FFA level may play a role in early CRC triage screening and secondary prevention.