IBD Awareness Month

Canada has among the highest rates of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in the world. IBD typically refers to two diseases: Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, although there are several other types. These diseases all involve inflammation in the digestive tract and can cause many debilitating symptoms. November is Crohn’s and Colitis Awareness Month, check out our videos and articles below to learn more about IBD.

• approximately 1 in 150 (0.7%) Canadians have IBD, or about 270,000 individuals
• about 10% of newly diagnosed cases of Crohn’s disease each year are in children
• colitis affects the lower portion of the colon, with inflammation involving only the inner lining of the large intestine
• Crohn’s can affect any area within the digestive tract, and through the full thickness of the bowel wall
• inflammation can affect areas outside of the GI tract, including the joints, eyes, and skin
• there is a genetic link, so family members of those with IBD are more likely to develop it as well
• individuals who have had colitis or Crohn’s that affects the colon for 10-15 years or more are at an increased risk of developing colorectal cancer

Are you a visual learner? Check out our inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis) videos below or on our YouTube channel badgutcanada.