Crohn's disease and colorectal cancer-what is the Link

If you have Crohn’s disease, should be more concerned about developing colon cancer? The answer, unfortunately, is Yes. Many of the forms of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) showed an increased risk of colon cancer. However, having Crohn’s disease emphatically means not that will develop cancer; in fact, 90% of patients with IBD do not acquire cancer.

A link has been shown between Crohn’s disease and an increased chance of developing cancer; However, this risk is greatly increased if you had IBD for a long period of time, such as 8-10 years, and affects the entire colon. If, on the other hand, only a small portion of your colon is involved and you have not had the disease for a long period of time, you are less likely to develop cancer. Likewise, if it affects Crohn’s other areas of your digestive system and your colon, you’re at less risk. Unfortunately, the inactive Crohn’s disease is only likely to develop colon cancer as the active disorder. Therefore, the onset of symptoms has more original that the frequency or intensity of flare-ups.

Sometimes it is difficult to detect colon cancer in Crohn’s sufferers as early symptoms often mimic those of IBD. Diarrhea and rectal bleeding are common among patients with Crohn’s and should not cause concern. As an extra precaution, you should see your gastroenterologist at least once a year if you had Crohn’s for more than 8 years. May need to have regular colonoscopies to identify early problems. During a colonoscopy, the gastroenterologist can identify the appearance of your colon, as well as take biopsies to examine further any fabric. Unfortunately, a colonoscopy is not guaranteed to detect whether cancer is present; However a colonoscopy with multiple biopsies is the most reliable available today.

If you are particularly concerned about the development of colon cancer, you should discuss the situation with your doctor, as well as make further research on the subject. You should realize that not necessarily develop cancer simply because you have Crohn’s disease. There are also support groups and agencies, such as the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America (CCFA), which are available to provide information and literature on probability of developing cancer, as well as general information about your condition. You can take the most effective measures are regular doctors visits and healthy lifestyle to ensure ongoing wellbeing.