Cancer and coeliac disease

Cancer is one of the possible complications of coeliac disease which often causes most concern.

The type of cancer particularly associated with coeliac disease is lymphoma of the small intestine.

Here are the key facts you need to know:

• Lymphoma of the small intestine is uncommon in the UK, even in untreated coeliac disease
• Early studies showing a high risk of cancer date from when coeliac disease was considered only in very ill patients. Large studies show that the increased risk of cancer associated with coeliac disease is much less than previously thought.
• Following a gluten-free diet reduces the already low risk of developing this cancer - research shows that the risk for people with coeliac disease is no greater than for anybody else after 3-5 years on the diet.
• Ensuring you follow your gluten-free diet helps protect you against developing this cancer.