Association Between Autoimmune Diseases and Colorectal Cancer Risk: A Structured Narrative Review with Focused Meta-Analysis of Ulcerative Colitis and an Evidence-Gap Assessment of Psychological Stress and Anxiety
Background: Autoimmune diseases may influence colorectal cancer (CRC) risk through chronic inflammation, treatment, surveillance, and disease-specific mechanisms. Psychological stress and anxiety may also affect cancer-related pathways through behavioral, neuroendocrine, immune, or health-care mechanisms.Methods: A str...