There is an increasing demand for biomarkers in colon cancer for risk assessment, early detection, prognosis, and surrogate end points. A number of biomarkers have been identified for early detection of colon cancer, although the risk factors have not been identified extensively. The major advances in understanding colorectal cancer include the identification and the involvement of APC, p53, and Ki-ras in the development and progression of the disease, the identification of the aberrant crypt foci as an early preinvasive lesion, and its relation to the development of cancer. Detecting malignant neoplasms in the early stages offers clinical advantages; therefore, the National Cancer Institute has established an Early Detection Research NETWORK: The emphasis of the network is on translational research and collaboration among scientists.