The Risk of Colon Cancer When You Have Ulcerative Colitis

I remember when I was first diagnosed with ulcerative colitis, I was very sick. I had terrible cramps, bloody diarrhea and a high fever; I was miserable. As a result of feeling the way I did, I didn't pay too much attention to the doctor as he was giving me the rundown of the additional problems of ulcerative colitis; that is until I heard the phrase "colon cancer", then my ears perked up.

Since my initial ulcerative colitis attack was essentially limited to the rectal area, I had the same risk as someone without ulcerative colitis of getting colon cancer. After the doctor told me that, I felt much better. The secure feeling wouldn't last.

Over the years, while I have never had a severe case of ulcerative colitis, other areas of the bowel have become involved. I have always responded well to limited steroidal treatment however, that additional bowel involvement puts me at greater risk of colon cancer.

As time has gone by, my doctor has mentioned colon cancer more frequently. The reason, I have been advised are because the possibility of colon cancer increases with the recurrence of ulcerative colitis as well as the length of time one has the illness.

When just the rectum and lower bowel are involved with ulcers, it is technically called ulcerative proctitis and when the entire bowel is involved it is called ulcerative pancolitis.

About five percent of people with ulcerative colitis ultimately develop colon cancer. (NDDIC) Further, when the entire bowel is involved, the possibility of the occurrence of colon cancer may be as high as 32 times that of a person without ulcerative colitis. (NDDIC)

As I have battled ulcerative colitis, my doctor has kept tabs on the illness with the use of an annual colonoscopy and has performed a sigmoidoscopy; often doing a biopsy.

He has indicated in doing these tests he is looking for cell changes and uses the term dysplasia to define this phenomenon.

One of the greatest risks of getting colon cancer, if you have ulcerative colitis, has to do with the age you were diagnosed with it. The longer you have had ulcerative colitis the greater the risk of getting colon cancer. Further, where the ulcerative colitis is located and how much of the bowel is involved play a role in the chances of getting colon cancer.

Finally, one must remember that cancer is a condition that can be passed down genetically. Whether you have ulcerative or you don't, colon cancer is a concern if a relative has it.

If you have ulcerative colitis there is a concern for colon cancer, however, as with any illness, having a close monitoring system set up with your physician puts you ahead of the game.

Is Colon Cancer a Concern? "Ulcerative Colitis" National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse