While IBD will not necessarily lead to cancer or other serious conditions, it can certainly increase the risk especially when left untreated. Both Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, the two main types of IBD, have been associated with an elevated risk of developing colorectal cancer. The longer a person has IBD and the more extensive the inflammation in the digestive tract, the higher the risk becomes. Regular monitoring and appropriate screening tests can help detect any precancerous or cancerous changes early, increasing the chances of successful treatment.