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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

Citations

  1. Su C, Lichtenstein GR (2006). Ulcerative colitis. In M Feldman et al., eds., Sleisenger and Fordtran's Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease, 8th ed., vol. 2, pp. 2499–2548. Philadelphia: Saunders Elsevier.
By Healthwise Staff
Primary Medical Reviewer Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer Arvydas D. Vanagunas, MD - Gastroenterology
Last Revised October 7, 2010

Last Revised: October 7, 2010

Author: Healthwise Staff

Medical Review: Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine & Arvydas D. Vanagunas, MD - Gastroenterology

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