While the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) can be severe and very distressing, IBS does not lead to colorectal cancer. People who have IBS have the same risk of developing polyps in the colon as other people of average risk for developing colorectal cancer.
Sources:
The National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse. "Irritable Bowel Syndrome." NIDDK Sept 2007. 30 Jul 2009.
American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons. "Irritable Bowel Syndrome." Jan 2008. 30 Jul 2009

