“Ulcerative colitis?”
Do most people with ulcerative colitis get colon cancer? What causes cancer in ulcerative colitis patients?
2 Answers
There is a higher risk of colon cancer with active ulcerative colitis. The risk is higher after 8 to 10 years because inflammation causes changes to cells in the lining of the colon. Those changes, can lead potentially lead to cancer. Its recommended to undergo colonoscopy every 1 to 2 years after having long term UC.
No, it is not common. The cancer risk is secondary to chronic inflammation in the colon. So, those at highest risk are those with pancolitis and inflammation that is not controlled for many years. Very important to get the colon mucosa healed and be in remission to lower the risk of colon cancer.
