OBJECTIVES: Studies measuring productivity loss are inherently heterogeneous in their study designs and derivation methods. This systematic review aims to establish the extent of productivity loss in paid work associated with colorectal cancer (CRC) and examine the different measures of productivity loss by identifying sources of variation and drivers. METHODS: We searched PubMed and Web of Science for relevant studies published from January 2005 to August 2015 in the English language. Studies were included if they were (a) on economically-productive CRC patients and/or caregivers, (b) reporting productivity loss of paid work associated with CRC, and (c) randomised controlled trials (RCTs), non-RCTs, cohort studies, case-control studies or cross-sectional studies. Information was abstracted by study design characteristics, patient/caregiver demographics, data sources, productivity loss components, calculation methods, and units of expression (in 2014 International dollars). RESULTS: