What Anyone With Ulcerative Colitis Needs to Know About Colorectal Cancer

If you suffer from the chronic illness of ulcerative colitis, you already know how much it affects your daily life. The terrible pain and discomfort can make it hard to focus on anything else. But it's important to step back and look at the big picture – because people with ulcerative colitis have an increased risk for colorectal cancer.

Understanding the connection between ulcerative colitis and colorectal cancer is crucial for anyone dealing with this condition. Colorectal cancer is a serious threat that needs to be taken seriously. And while not every person with ulcerative colitis will develop the disease, being aware of the risks and taking steps to prevent it is essential. So if you're dealing with ulcerative colitis, here's what you need to know about colorectal cancer.

If you have heard of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), ulcerative colitis falls under its umbrella. Ulcerative colitis creates inflammation, causing ulcers or sores in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, specifically in the large intestine. The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) explains that ulcerative colitis symptoms include diarrhea, pus, stomach pain, rectal pain, an urgent feeling to go to the bathroom, poop with blood, weight loss, and fatigue.

According to Mayo Clinic researchers, there is no known cure for ulcerative colitis treatment; however, medications can reduce inflammation and help achieve weeks of long-term remission periods. The goal of ulcerative colitis treatment is also to relieve symptoms and prevent flare-ups from happening. As with all illnesses, early detection helps in managing ulcerative colitis effectively.

In summary: a quick refresher doesn't hurt when it comes to understanding what ulcerative colitis is. It's an inflammatory bowel disease that creates inflammation in the GI tract causing ulcers or sores in the large intestine. Symptoms include diarrhea, pus, stomach pain rectal pain, an urgent feeling to go to the bathroom which may contain blood when you poop weight loss fatigue. Although there is no cure for this condition some medications can be used as ulcerative colitis treatment reducing inflammation and achieving long-term remission periods while relieving symptoms like blood in your stool or abdominal pain.

Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer in the United States. The risk of developing colorectal cancer increases with age, but it can happen to anyone. Regular colonoscopies are your best defense against this disease. The main test used to screen for colorectal cancer is a colonoscopy, which involves examining the inside of your large intestine for any abnormalities.

Receiving regular screenings can greatly reduce your chances of developing colorectal cancer. In fact, studies have shown that those who underwent regular screenings had a 42 percent lower risk of developing colorectal cancer. Not only that, but the risk of dying from this type of cancer dropped by 64 percent in those who received regular screenings.

Don't wait until you experience symptoms to get screened for colorectal cancer. By then, it may be too late. Regular screenings can catch early signs of the disease before they turn into something more serious. So if you're over 50 or have a family history of colorectal cancer, talk to your doctor about scheduling a colonoscopy today. Your future self will thank you!

Regular colonoscopies are generally advised for individuals with ulcerative colitis to screen for colorectal cancer. The frequency of these screenings is typically every 3 years for those who have had the disease for more than 8 years. However, if there is a family history of colorectal cancer, more frequent screenings may be necessary.

It's important to stay up-to-date with recommended screening guidelines to catch any potential issues early on. While it may seem cumbersome to undergo regular colonoscopies, they can be life-saving in detecting and treating colorectal cancer in its early stages. Don't hesitate to talk to your doctor about your individual screening recommendations based on your medical history and risk factors.

Ulcerative colitis is an inflammatory bowel disease that can lead to colorectal cancer if not properly managed. If you have been diagnosed with ulcerative colitis, it's essential to pay attention to your body and note any changes in your bowel movements. One of the most common symptoms is excess gas, which can be uncomfortable and embarrassing. However, if you notice other symptoms like blood in the stool, diarrhea or constipation, it's important to speak with your doctor.

Unplanned weight loss is another red flag that shouldn't be ignored. If you've lost weight without trying or have noticed a decrease in appetite, you should seek medical attention immediately. These symptoms are often associated with colorectal cancer and require prompt diagnosis and treatment. Regular screenings can help detect colorectal cancer early on, so don't hesitate to schedule an appointment with your doctor.

In summary, it's crucial to stay informed about the signs and symptoms of ulcerative colitis and colorectal cancer. Pay attention to changes in bowel movements, excess gas, unplanned weight loss or blood in the stool. Don't wait until it's too late – schedule regular screenings and speak with your doctor if you're experiencing any concerning symptoms. This post was medically reviewed on November 8th 2020 and we hope it has helped raise awareness about these important topics.

Our team of experts continually monitor the wellness space for the latest research and information on health conditions such as ulcerative colitis and colorectal cancer. For this article, we relied on several reputable sources including a systematic review by Lakatos PL et al. 2012 which assessed the risk of colorectal cancer in ulcerative colitis patients, as well as a study by Al-Azzawi et al. 2017 which examined strategies for detecting colon cancer in patients with inflammatory bowel disease.

We also consulted the American Cancer Society's medical editorial content team's 2020 guidelines and key statistics on colorectal cancer, as well as recent studies that suggest processed meats increase colorectal cancer risk. Our team copy edited the article for clarity and accuracy, with final approval given by our medically reviewed Cynthia Taylor Chavoustie MPAS PA-C. The current version was last updated on Nov 9, 2020, with contributions from Stephanie Watson, Ashley Williams, and Delores Smith-Johnson.