Why chronic gut inflammation can turn into colon cancer

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Source: ScienceDaily Health

Original: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/01/260125083401.htm...

Published: Sun, 25 Jan 2026 10:15:11 EST

Chronic intestinal inflammation triggers an immune chain reaction that can lead to colon cancer.[1][3] Researchers have discovered that a strong inflammatory signal activates specialized intestinal immune cells, which in turn summon waves of white blood cells from the bone marrow.[1] These white blood cells link together in a way that promotes the growth of tumors.[1] This process damages the DNA in the lining of the intestine and creates an environment conducive to the development of cancer.[1] Patients with idiopathic intestinal inflammation have a 2- to 6-fold higher risk of developing colorectal cancer compared to healthy individuals.[2] The risk increases with the duration of the disease, with early onset of the disease and if there is a positive family history of colorectal cancer.[1] Long-term uncontrolled inflammation can lead to the development of dysplasias and subsequently to colon cancer.[1]