A new test developed in the UK can accurately predict whether high-risk patients will develop bowel cancer, also known as colorectal cancer, in the five years.

Cancer Research UK says the new approach should mean fewer people with inflammatory bowel disease will need to undergo surgery or regular colonoscopies.

A new DNA test developed in the UK can accurately predict whether high-risk patients will develop bowel cancer in the five years. People with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) — which includes conditions like ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s — are up to four times more likely to get this type of cancer,