That's not correct. IBS is in no way a harbinger of either
cancer nor UC. However, it is a disabling disease for many
people. It's one of the leading causes of workplace absense.

Incorrect, Jonathan. Many patients with IBS develop UC and many patients with
UC develope Chrons. No one knows why, just as no one can find a full genetic
link with these diseases. Cancer is a higher risk due to steroid based drugs
employed in the treatments and weakened imune systems. UC patients off-meds are
still 20 times more likely to devlope colon cancer. The reason I know about
this is that two people in my life suffered from IBS and UC. Both suffered from
IBS prior to full blown UC. One of them is dead.
If someone in your life has IBS or UC there is an excellent Newsgroup where
you can get support and advise.
Try Alt.Support.Crohns-Colitis. This is why I can't get into a trolling war
with Donal with a disease at the center.

RB