Increased Relative Risk of Cancer in Patients with Diverticular Disease

Patients with diverticular disease had an increased long-term relative risk of cancer, excluding colorectal cancer, possibly due to shared risk factors. The highest standardized incidence ratios were for lung, bronchi, trachea, and kidney cancers. The decreased risk of colorectal cancer may be due to increased colonoscopy rates in diverticular disease patients, potentially leading to early detection and prevention. Overall, patients with diverticular disease should be monitored closely for various cancer risks beyond colorectal cancer.