Inflammatory Bowel Disease and Colon Cancer

Having IBD can increase your chances for getting colon cancer. The risk of cancer gets higher the longer and the more the colon is involved. For example, if only the lower colon and rectum are involved, the risk of cancer is not higher than normal. But, if the whole colon is involved, the risk of cancer may be as great as 32 times the normal rate

People who have had IBD throughout their colon for at least eight years, or IBD in only the left colon for at least 15 years should have a screening colonoscopy every 1 to 2 years to check for precancerous changes in the cells of the colon lining. This screening won't reduce the risk for getting colon cancer, but can help find cancer early when it is easier to treat.