Can IBS lead to Colon Cancer?

IBS does not lead to colon cancer but if you are an older adult then there is a chance that you may be suffering from both IBS and colon cancer. IBS and Colon Cancer are two completely different conditions. They may have some common symptoms but IBS does not lead to colon cancer or increases the risk of colon cancer. IBS and colon cancer are two independent conditions and neither of them triggers the other. Each one of them has different causes, diagnoses, treatment options and outcomes.

IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) is a general abdominal disorder that shares some common symptoms with colon cancer. Thus, people tend to think that colon cancer is a severe case of IBS or is caused due to IBS. It is often difficult to distinguish between the two conditions and thus you must always see your doctor if you suspect any of the conditions. It might be that what you are assuming to be a case of IBS is actually colon cancer. If it is a simple IBS, then there is nothing to worry but it can also be colon cancer.

There is one more important thing that must be kept in mind when you are going for the diagnoses. Diagnoses of one of the conditions do not rule out the possibility of the other. Thus, even if a case of IBS or colon cancer is confirmed, you cannot conclude that you do not have the other condition. Diagnoses for IBS and colon cancer involve two different types of tests. Colon cancer is diagnosed by a test called colonoscopy while stool test is conducted to diagnose IBS. Thus, it is important to go for two different tests to be sure that you just have only IBS or colon cancer.

People who have crossed 50 years of age are most susceptible to IBS & colon cancer together. Statistics reveals that about 95% of the people who die every year due to IBS or colon cancer are more than 50 years old. However, it does not mean that people who are young or middle aged do not have a risk of colon cancer or IBS. Every candidate belonging to any age group who shows up common symptoms of colon cancer IBS must be closely monitored.

IBS is a common disorder that can happen to everyone including kids or teenagers. According to the statistics, more than 10-15% of the people in the world are suffering from IBS. It includes individuals from all age groups including kids. The condition is even worse in the case of the United States. There are about 45 million people in US that having one of both the conditions.

There are about 95 thousands cases of colon cancers reported every year in United States. There is no surprise that colon cancer is the 3rd most commonly occurring cancers in United States. The good thing is that the number of cases being reported every year is decreasing. About 5% of the people suffering from colon cancer end up losing their life in the struggle against cancer. IBS is not usually a life threatening condition and can be easily managed.

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Also Read:

• Foods To Eat For Colon Cancer
• Causes and Symptoms of Colon Cancer or Cancer of the Colon
• IBS Vs. Colon Cancer: Differences Worth Knowing