The study – the largest of its kind globally – found that checks performed by professionals with regular experience, allowing more time for the procedure, and the use of a special dye to improve visibility were each associated with finding small growths called polyps, which may become cancer.
Experts say the findings provide a starting point for measuring and improving care for those with IBD, and support further investigation into whether more consistent pathways and protected time could lead to better patient outcomes.
Cancer risk
People with IBD – such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis – which affects the large bowel have a higher risk of bowel cancer. Regular camera checks, known as endoscopies, can find early changes. These are usually scheduled alongside other hospital procedures, which can make consistent care harder to plan.
Researchers, led by the University of Edinburgh, carried out the first national-scale analysis of UK data on the quality of IBD endoscopies to see how the checks are being delivered and what factors are associated with finding polyps, some of which may be precancerous.
The research team analysed data from the National Endoscopy Database, covering approximately 65 per cent of UK endoscopy units. This included almost 16,000 procedures in 2024 by 4,669 endoscopists, who perform the tests.
Better detection
They found that fewer than one in five endoscopists performed the checks at least monthly, yet were responsible for carrying out 57 per cent of procedures.
The study provides the first national evidence linking polyp detection with the experience of the person doing the test, the time allowed and use of dye.
Better evidence could ultimately help people with IBD receive more consistent care and improve the chances of finding important changes early, experts say.