Chrons Disease

Most authorities agree that after having Crohn’s disease (or ulcerative colitis) for a long time (translated in most articles as over 8 years of severe symptoms), you have an increased risk of getting colon cancer, or even cancer of the small intestine.

What is Chron’s Disease?

Chron’s disease is a disorder that effects people’s gastrointestinal functions.

What Are The Symptons of Chron’s?

  • Abdominal pain
  • Diarrhea
  • Weight loss
  • Anemia, and fatigue.

Not everyone shows symptoms and have these above issues. Other less fortunate patients can experience severe symptoms that never go away.

Is there a Cure For Chron’s?

There is no cure for Crohn’s disease. There are prescription medications like steroids and immunosuppressants that can be used to slow down the disease. If these medications are not successful, then the patient’s Gastroenterologist may recommend surgery. Additionally, patients with Crohn’s disease may need to receive regular screening for colorectal cancer due to increased risk.

Chron’s Patients And Cancer Risks

For Crohn’s patients there is an increased risk of cancer of the colon or intestines. But what is the risk? The physicians at the Mayo Clinic  say that “more than 90% of people with inflammatory bowel disease never develop cancer Two risk factors can increase your risk of cancer with an IBD (irratible bowel disorder). They are how long you’ve had it (8 to 10 years,  and the extent of the colon that is affected by colitis.

After 10 years, the risk of getting colon cancer increases at a rate of 0.5% per year for both Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. If you have an IBD you should be concerned about developing colon cancer, noting that with an IBD your risk is five times as great as for people without Crohn’s or ulcerative colitis.

You are still more likely not to get cancer than you are to get it, noting the Mayo Clinic’s statistic that more than 90% of people with Crohn’s or ulcerative colitis never develop cancer. There is an increased risk of getting colon cancer than that of people without Crohn’s disease, and without a family history of it.  This means that you should be careful about getting regular checks, and take steps to prevent the development of cancer.