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Risk of ulcerative colitis and colorectal cancer: what you need to know

If you suffer from ulcerative colitis (UC), you probably know that inflammation is the cause of many of its symptoms. But what is less known is that it is also a likely cause of an increased risk of colorectal cancer.

People with inflammatory bowel disease, including UC, are about twice as likely to develop colorectal cancer as those without it.

This risk increases over time, increasing 2 percent after 10 years of diagnosis, 8 percent after 20 years, and 30 percent after 30 years. The duration of your illness and its severity can both affect your risk of colorectal cancer.

Why ulcerative colitis is linked to increased risk of colorectal cancer

When you have UC, your immune system mistakenly attacks the lining of your colon (large intestine), causing damage. As your body works overtime trying to repair the damage, cellular changes can occur, increasing your risk of colon or rectal cancer.

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