Should you be worried about colorectal cancer?

For people with UC, there are two factors affecting the risk of developing colon cancer. The first factor is that risk increases after 8 to 10 years of active UC. The second is the extent of the disease in the colon. People with disease only in the rectum have the lowest risk; disease in part of the colon involved carries an intermediate risk; disease in the entire colon has the greatest risk. Patients whose disease has been quiet have the same risk as those who have more active disease.

However, more than 90% of IBD patients never develop colon cancer.

Colonoscopies will need to be repeated at regular intervals as determined by the gastroenterologist.

After 8 to 10 years of UC, the doctor may recommend a colonoscopy every year or every two years. A gastroenterologist can make an individualized assessment of colon cancer risk based on history, other risk factors, and the extent and duration of UC.