05 February 2025

New Test Predicts Bowel Cancer Risk in IBD Patients with 90% Accuracy

Individuals with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, face a higher risk of developing colorectal cancer due to chronic inflammation, which can lead to abnormal cell growth (dysplasia) and precancerous polyps in the intestinal tract.

To monitor this risk, patients with IBD typically undergo colorectal cancer screening via colonoscopy every one to three years. However, previous research indicates that identifying precancerous cells in these individuals can be challenging.

Researchers from The Institute of Cancer Research in London have developed a new test that reportedly predicts bowel cancer risk in people with IBD with 90% accuracy, offering a potential breakthrough in early detection and prevention.