The American Cancer Society recommends that anyone with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) receive a colonoscopy 8 to 12 years after their initial diagnosis and another colonoscopy every year or two after that. That's because IBD is a known risk factor for colorectal cancer. But, research published in the American Journal of Gastroenterology addressed the specific question of what particular aspects tend to increase colorectal cancer risk in people with IBD.
Results of the Study
The researchers identified two characteristics in particular that increased risk: at least one year of continuous IBD flare ups and a diagnosis of primary sclerosing cholangitis (PCS). PCS is a condition where the bile ducts in and around the liver become inflamed and scarred. People with IBD are more often diagnosed with PSC than the general population although the disease is still quite rare. According to this study, having PSC is associated with a greatly increased risk of developing cancer of the colon and rectum.
The researchers also determined that barium enemas and X-rays of the small intestine had a borderline association with increased colorectal cancer risk. So, if you have IBD, you may want to discuss this study's findings with your doctor.
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Source: Jess, T. and Loftus, E. "Risk Factors for Colorectal Neoplasia in Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Nested Case–Control Study from Copenhagen County, Denmark and Olmsted County, Minnesota." American Journal of Gastroenterology 102.4 (Apr. 2007): 829. Accessed 12 May 2007. [http://www.amjgastro.com/showContent.asp?DID=4&SessionGUID=3D5042AE-8073-4748-B171-BFD4B73DBFBE&id=ajg_107042007&type=abstract].
