Who is affected by ulcerative colitis

Most people with ulcerative colitis are diagnosed before the age of 30, though it can occur at any age.

The disease is more common in North America and Europe and less common in Asia and South America. Ashkenazi Jews appear to get ulcerative colitis more than non-Jews.1

About 10% to 20% of people with ulcerative colitis have at least one close family member with the disease, which shows that genetics may be one of the risk factors of ulcerative colitis.1



Author: Douglas Dana
Monica Rhodes
Last Updated: February 23, 2007
Medical Review: Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine
Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Jerome B. Simon, MD, FRCPC, FACP - Gastroenterology

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