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Crohn's and Colitis in numbers

  • 540,000 people in UK live with Crohn’s or Colitis - that's 1 in every 123 people

  • Over the past 20 years, an average of 25,000 people a year were diagnosed with Crohn's or Colitis in the UK, which is 66 people a day

  • Most people are diagnosed between the ages of 15 and 40 – meaning it has a significant impact on their working life

  • One in six individuals with Crohn's or Colitis initially receive a diagnosis of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

  • It takes an average of 5.5 years to get a diagnosis of Crohn's or Colitis after being initially diagnosed with IBS

  • Up to 80% of people with Crohn’s and 15% of those with Ulcerative Colitis will need to have surgery at some point in their lives

  • Half of people with Crohn’s and Colitis have had a negative experience when using a disabled toilet

  • People with Crohn's or Colitis are twice as likely to experience mental health problems

  • Two in five (40%) of people with Crohn's or Colitis said it prevented them from pursuing an intimate relationship 

  • Crohn's & Colitis UK has 50 local networks across the UK bringing together people affected by the conditions and raising public awareness of their impact 

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About the conditions

Facts about Crohn's and Colitis

Facts on the conditions

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Helpline service

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We know it can be difficult to live with, or support someone living with these conditions. But you’re not alone. We provide up-to-date, evidence-based information and can support you to live well with Crohn’s or Colitis.

Our helpline team can help by:

  • Providing information about Crohn’s and Colitis.

  • Listening and talking through your situation.

  • Helping you to find support from others in the Crohn’s and Colitis community.

  • Signposting you to specialist organisations.

Please be aware we’re not medically or legally trained. We cannot provide detailed financial or benefits advice or specialist emotional support.

Please contact us via telephone, email or LiveChat - 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday (except English bank holidays).

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If you need specific medical advice about your condition, your GP or IBD team will be best placed to help.

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