Jewish American Heritage Month

Posted By admin on February 11, 2022

Crohns disease is a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that can affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract. Having either Crohns disease or another form of IBD is thought to increase the risk of cancer that starts in the colon.

Heres what to know about the relationship between Crohns disease and colon cancer, how to lower risk, and the importance of screening.

According to the Crohns and Colitis Foundation, people living with IBD appear to have a notably increased risk of developing colorectal cancer, or colon cancer.

Longstanding inflammation in the colon is a likely culprit.

Crohns disease is a chronic inflammatory condition. It can affect the entire gastrointestinal tract, particularly the end of the small intestine or the colon. The cause of Crohns disease is unclear, but the gut microbiome may play a role.

Crohns disease is also considered to be an autoimmune disorder where the body mistakenly attacks healthy tissue. With Crohns, this can happen in the colon, leading to inflammation and an ongoing process of damage and repair on a cellular level. This continual repair and replacement of damaged cells raises the odds of errors in DNA that can lead to cancer.

According to a 2019 review, the strongest link between chronic inflammation and cancer is most apparent in colorectal cancer.

Research shows that people living with IBD are already at increased risk of developing colorectal cancer. Though the risk may not be as high for those who dont experience inflammation in the colon.

Related risk factors include:

According to the American Cancer Society, the risk of developing colorectal cancer rises with age, especially after age 50. African Americans have the highest colorectal cancer incidence and mortality rates of all racial groups in the United States. Ashkenazi Jews have one of the highest colorectal cancer risks of any ethnic group in the world.

Additional risk factors include:

Theres no cure for Crohns disease, but there are ways to help control the underlying inflammation. See your doctor regularly to assess your health and adjust your treatment plan as needed.

Other ways to reduce risk include:

Its also a good idea to familiarize yourself with the signs and symptoms of colorectal cancer. These can include:

Let your doctor know if you experience any of these symptoms.

Most people with Crohns disease will never develop colon cancer. But due to the increased risk, it should be on your radar. The first step is to ask your doctor when you should be screened for colon cancer.

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends colorectal cancer screening starting at age 45. Repeat screens should be done every 10 years. After age 76, the recommendation is for you and your doctor to weigh the potential risks and benefits of screening, though these guidelines apply to asymptomatic people at average risk.

If youve had symptoms of Crohns for 8 years or more, or have other factors that increase your risk of colon cancer, you should be screened every 1 or 2 years. Depending on your individual circumstances, your doctor may recommend more frequent screening.

A colonoscopy is a test thats used to screen for colon cancer. It allows the doctor to look inside the rectum and the entire length of the colon for any abnormalities or signs of cancer. If abnormal tissue is detected, the doctor may take a sample of the tissue for testing.

A colonoscopy can also detect precancerous polyps or lesions. These can be removed during the same procedure, which can prevent colon cancer from developing in the first place.

Some other tests used to screen for colon cancer are:

Your doctor will recommend specific screening procedures and testing intervals based on your health history.

Early-stage colorectal cancer is highly treatable. Colon cancer doesnt usually cause symptoms early on. Routine screening detect the cancer before symptoms develop. Thats why its important to stay on top of your screenings as scheduled.

Having Crohns disease or another type of IBD increases the risk of colon cancer. Work with your healthcare team on steps you can take to manage Crohns and lower your risk of colon cancer.

Speak with your doctor about when and how you should get screened for colon cancer. If you experience new gastrointestinal symptoms, see your doctor right away. Colon cancer is very treatable early on, which is why routine screening is so important.

Read the original here:

Crohn's Disease and Colorectal Cancer Risk: What to Know - Healthline

Category: Ashkenazi
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