Colorectal Cancer in Ulcerative Colitis Patients

The association between ulcerative colitis (UC) and colorectal cancer (CRC) was first reported in the 1920s (Crohn & Rosenberg, 1925). Since then, numerous studies have confirmed the overall risk of developing colorectal cancer associated with UC, and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in general. Many studies incorporate both UC and Crohn’s colitis together with regards to their risk of colorectal cancer. While more recent studies have questioned how substantial the increased risk of colorectal cancer truly is in UC, relative to the general population, specific characteristics of UC patients increase their overall risk of developing CRC. In fact, CRC is one of the most serious complications of IBD and accounts for approximately 10-15% of the deaths in IBD patients (Munkholm et al, 2003). To reduce this complication, UC related CRC screening programs should focus on the individuals’ risk of developing CRC with the goal of early identification of the cancer and subsequent increased overall survival.