Work

Colorectal Cancer in Inflammatory Bowel Disease: How to Minimize the Risk

Year: 2026

Type: review

Abstract: Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) have a higher risk of developing colorectal cancer (CRC) compared with the general population. This increased risk is mainly related to chronic colonic inflammation and is influenced by factors such as disease duration, disease extent, family history of CRC, and the presence of primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC). Although the incidence of CRC in IBD has decreased over recent decades, it remains an important cause of disease-related morbidity and mortality. CRC prevention in IBD extends beyond colonoscopic surveillance and includes high-quality endoscopic surveillance, early detection and appropriate treatment of dysplasia, and long-term control of intestinal inflammation through a personalized approach. This review summarizes current evidence on IBD-associated colorectal carcinogenesis and strategies for CRC prevention, with emphasis on risk stratification, optimization of endoscopic surveillance, dysplasia management, treat-to-target strategies and multidisciplinary management.

Source: Cancers

DOI: 10.3390/cancers18203272