Evaluation of fecal SYPL1 as a diagnostic biomarker in colorectal cancer

•Fecal SYPL1 was higher in CRC patients than in either healthy controls or adenoma patients, and declined after surgery.•Fecal SYPL1 was associated with larger tumor size, advanced tumor invasion, lymph node invasion and clinical stage.•Fecal SYPL1 performed superbly in distinguishing CRC from healthy controls and adenoma patients.•Fecal SYPL1 could detect early-stage colorectal cancer and high-risk adenoma with high sensitivity.•The specificity and clinical monitoring value of fecal SYPL1 for colorectal cancer needs further study.