Using nationwide Danish health registries, we studied the risk of cancer in patients with primary bile acid diarrhea (BAD). Patients with BAD secondary to IBD or previous cancer were excluded.

We found a 32% significantly increased risk of overall cancer associated with primary BAD. The increased risk was driven by hematological, skin, and male genital cancers. No increased risk of colorectal cancer or cancer of the digestive organs was found.

Future studies in other cohorts are needed to replicate our findings on overall cancer risk; however, routine screening for colorectal cancer seems sufficient in patients with bile acid diarrhea.

Authors 🖊️
Nynne Nyboe Andersen
Signe Wildt
Aske Thorn Iversen
Gry Poulsen
Tine Jess
Lars Kristian Munck
Christian Borup