Did You Know?

All Americans should be concerned about colorectal cancer (CRC). Each year, in the United States, 147,000 new cases of colorectal cancer are diagnosed and more than 57,000 people die from the disease — making it the second-leading cause of cancer-related deaths in this country.

Unfortunately, people with Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis — collectively known as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) — are at a higher risk for developing CRC than the general population. Even if your disease is in remission, you remain at risk. While these statistics are scary, keep in mind that most people with IBD will not develop CRC. What’s more, despite the risk factors, CRC is highly treatable in the early stages. That’s why it’s important to recognize the signs and symptoms of CRC — and why regular screenings and early detection are crucial. Learning all you can about the link between IBD and CRC is the first step in protecting yourself against CRC.