Irritable Bowel Syndrome

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Will IBS turn into cancer?

By Barbara Bradley Bolen, Ph.D., About.com

Updated: February 24, 2009

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by our Medical Review Board

Question: Will IBS turn into cancer?
Answer: In some cases, IBS symptoms can be so severe and disruptive that it's logical to think that it must be doing long-term damage to the body or putting you at risk for cancer. You will be relieved to know that there is no evidence that IBS leads to cancer or any other more serious health problem. You can also take comfort in the fact that IBS has no effect on your overall health or life expectancy.

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