Tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloprotease type-1 (TIMP-1) as a marker of cancer.

A method for determining whether it is likely that an individual has colorectal cancer, the method comprises determining a first parameter representing the total concentration of TIMP-1 in plasma samples, and pointing to the individual as having a high probability of cancer colorectal if the parameter is at or beyond a value that discriminates and pointing the individual as unlikely to have colorectal cancer if the parameter is not in or beyond the value that discriminates, determining that value which discriminates measuring said at least one first parameter controlling both healthy population and a population with known colorectal cancer, thereby determining the discriminating value which identifies the cancer population with a predetermined specificity or a predetermined sensitivity.