Patient with inflammatory bowel disease, such as Crohn's Disease or ulcerative colitis, are at increased risk for developing cancer. Much more is known about the relationship between ulcerative colitis and cancer. People with ulcerative colitis of greater than eight to ten years of duration should have a colonoscopy every one to two years. 130,000 people are diagnosed with the disease every year. Colorectal Cancer is highly preventable, treatable and curable.
Colorectal cancer affects both men and women.
The risk of colorectal cancer is lower in people whose diet is high in fiber and low in fat. It is also lower in those who exercise often. When detected and treated early, the five-year survival rate for colorectal cancer is 91 percent. Removal of these may prevent cancer from developing. Men and women are at equal risk for developing colorectal cancer and polyps.