Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) refers to both ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. These diseases cause chronic inflammation and weakness of the gastrointestinal tract. IBD is different than irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), which does not involve intestinal inflammation or damage. Now research reports that skin cancer may be linked to medications used to treat IBD.
The study, presented at the American College of Gastroenterology's 74th Annual Scientific meeting in San Diego, investigated the association of IBD with non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) risk. Researchers from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, analyzed the records of 26,403 Crohn's disease patients and 26,974 ulcerative colitis patients, from 1996 through 2005. Each patient with IBD and NMSC was matched according to age, sex and region of the country with random control patients who did not have IBD or had IBD but not NMSC.
The researchers found that IBD patients had a 1.6 times higher risk of NMSC than the control patients. Furthermore, IBD patients that took thiopurine drugs for more than a year had a four times increased risk of NMSC than the control patients. Crohn's patients that took biologic drugs had a two times increased risk.
"Our study demonstrates that patients with IBD on immunosupression may also be at risk for NMSC," says researcher Dr. Millie Long, in a news release. "As a result, our long term management plans for IBD patients should stress the daily use of broad-spectrum sunscreen and increased awareness of NMSC to help to prevent complications."
Ablene Restores GI Health
IBS affects over 35 million people and Crohn's disease affects more than a million people worldwide. Taking natural nutrients can help promote GI (gastrointestinal) health and reduce IBD symptoms.
Progressive Health's Ablene contains GI-health promoting nutrients including olive extract, cat's claw, licorice, betaine, l-glutamine and essential vitamins and minerals. Ablene restores lost nutrients while preventing inflammation; helping to relieve symptoms and promote digestive health.
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