The next time you get asked by a sales professional why you rated her client for ulcerative colitis pull out this cheat sheet for talking points.

Q. What is the risk of cancer in patients with ulcerative colitis?

A. On the basis of data from referral centers, the cumulative risk of colorectal cancer among patients with chronic ulcerative colitis may reach 20 to 30% at 30 years, but the incidence rate is much lower in population-based series (approximately 2%). Risk factors for cancer include a long duration of disease, regardless of clinical activity; extensive involvement; a young age at onset; severe inflammation; the presence of primary sclerosing cholangitis; and a family history of colorectal cancer.