Living with a long-term condition

Getting a diagnosis can be a huge relief, especially if you have suffered with symptoms for a considerable amount of time. However, a diagnosis can often be the first step on a long-road with additional tests in the future necessary to check if your condition is stable or has progressed.

Crohn's disease

Crohn’s disease is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) with sufferers being at an increased risk of developing a colorectal cancer. Unlike sporadic Colorectal Cancer, which typically develops later in life, Crohn's patients Colorectal Cancer tends to occur at a younger age. 

Chronic inflammation is a key driver, altering the intestinal environment and promoting cellular changes that can lead to dysplasia and eventually develop into cancer. Therefore, routine surveillance is crucial for early detection and intervention. How often a Crohn's patient needs a test depends on several factors and the surveillance frequency should be individualised. However, the pan-enteric capsule test provides a minimally invasive alternative for Crohn's patients to the invasive and uncomfortable surveillance Colonoscopy, as it captures images to look for abnormalities in both the small and large bowel.

Ulcerative Colitis

Ulcerative Colitis is a type of inflammatory bowel disease that causes inflammation and ulcers, primarily affecting the colon. Surveillance is recommended for patients with long-standing Ulcerative Colitis to detect precancerous changes early to reduce the risk of colorectal cancer developing. In ulcerative colitis, chronic inflammation increases the risk of colorectal cancer, making regular monitoring essential for early detection and treatment.

Patients with ulcerative colitis are also generally required to attend for surveillance procedures with intervals for being risk-based with a procedure being carried out every couple of years. A pan-enteric capsule now provides a comfortable, non-invasive alternative way of monitoring disease progression than the traditional Colonoscopy.