Prevalence & Cause

It is estimated that 6 out of every 1000 Canadians have IBD, with most being diagnosed in early adulthood between the ages of 14 and 24 years. IBD is more common in Northern Europeans and people of Anglo-Saxon descent.

There are many theories about what causes IBD, but at this time no one theory has been proven. It is generally agreed that a combination of genetic and environmental factors contribute to the development of IBD. Possible environmental factors include exposure to a virus or bacteria, cigarette smoke or certain food proteins. There is also some evidence that suggests breast fed children and those living in rural settings are less likely to develop IBD.