The diagnosed prevalent cases of ulcerative colitis (UC) in the eight major markets (*8MM) are projected to increase from 1.9 million cases in 2021 to 2.1 million in 2031, equating to an annual growth rate (AGR) of 0.63%, forecasts GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.

Ulcerative colitis is an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) characterized by chronic inflammation and ulcers (sores) in the large intestine, also called the colon and rectum. The inflammation usually begins in the rectum and lower colon but may also spread continuously to involve the entire colon. The symptoms of UC vary from person to person and may include diarrhea with blood or pus, passing blood with stool, abdominal pain and cramping, and tenesmus or urgency to defecate.

GlobalData’s latest report, “Ulcerative Colitis (UC) – Epidemiology Forecast to 2031,” reveals that in 2031, the US is predicted to have the highest number of diagnosed prevalent cases of ulcerative colitis in the 8MM at 0.7 million, whereas Canada, with nearly 91 thousand cases, will have the lowest number.

Bharti Prabhakar, MPH, Associate Project Manager at GlobalData, comments: “UC can occur at any age, although most people are diagnosed in their mid-thirties. Men and women are equally likely to be affected, but older men are more likely to be diagnosed than older women. UC can affect people of any racial or ethnic group. Genes, abnormal immune reactions, the microbiome, diet, stress, and the environment have all been suggested as triggers, but there is no definite evidence that any one of these factors is the cause of UC.”

Adults ages 30–69 years accounted for more than 65% of the diagnosed prevalent cases of UC in the 8MM, while those ages less than 20 years accounted for less than 3% of the cases. UC occurs more commonly in men compared to women. This is apparent from GlobalData estimates for sex-specific diagnosed prevalent cases.

Prabhakar concludes: “Western countries have reported high incidence and prevalence of UC. Therefore, environmental factors may either suppress or reinforce inherent predispositions for UC and might also be crucial in triggering disease onset. UC is a chronic illness, and people with UC face challenges because of the disease. The prevention of flare-ups is essential and involves patients regularly receiving maintenance therapy from a gastroenterologist. The key to a good quality of life is keeping the inflammation under control and managing any associated health concerns.”

*8MM: The US, 5EU (France, Germany, Italy, Spain, the UK), Japan, and Canada