Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a blanket term for two types of gastrointestinal (GI) tract diseases: Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. While both diseases are cause inflammation in the GI tract, Crohn’s disease can affect the entire GI tract whereas ulcerative colitis is limited to the colon and rectum. Although the exact cause of IBD is unknown, it is believed to happen when environmental factors trigger the immune system to act improperly, causing excessive inflammation. A genetic component has also been observed with IBD, with those having a family history of the disease being more likely to develop it. [1]

The chronic inflation of the GI tract that IBD causes more cells to be produced in the GI tact, increasing the chance that there will be pre-cancerous or cancerous mutations. As having IBD increases your risk of developing colorectal cancer, it’s crucial for those afflicted to be consistent with their colorectal screenings. When colorectal cancer is caught at early stages thanks to more frequent and regular screening, it is highly treatable. It is important to establish colorectal cancer screening as a normal part of your healthcare routine, especially if you have been diagnosed with IBD. [2]

For those with IBD, some recommendations for cancer prevention include getting screened every 1-2 years if you have had IBD symptoms for 8 years or more, having regular colonoscopies, and working to get your IBD inflammation under control. Other things you can do are see your gastroenterologist at least once per year, keep a list of your symptoms to take discuss with your doctor at your next visit, continue taking your IDB medications, and ensure that you get regular exercise and have a healthy diet. [2]

References

1.     CDC -what is inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)? - inflammatory bowel disease - division of Population Health. https://www.cdc.gov/ibd/what-is-IBD.htm (accessed Feb 17, 2022).

2.     The risk of colorectal cancer in crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis patients. https://www.crohnscolitisfoundation.org/what-is-ibd/colorectal-cancer (accessed Feb 17, 2022).