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India is witnessing a concerning surge in cases of colon or colorectal cancer among young adults, medical experts cautioned on Monday. The rise in diagnoses is attributed to late detection, inadequate screening measures, and the adoption of a Westernized diet rich in processed foods.
Dr. Rajeev Jayadevan, co-chairman of the National Indian Medical Association Covid Task Force, highlighted the alarming trend, noting that a significant portion of colorectal cancer cases in India are diagnosed at advanced stages. According to Dr. Jayadevan, factors such as limited access to screening facilities and insufficient awareness among the populace contribute to delayed diagnoses.
“Unlike Western nations, we do not have organized screening programs in India,” Dr. Jayadevan emphasized. “Moreover, individuals often overlook warning signs such as rectal bleeding or receive misdiagnoses, leading to delayed presentation for medical evaluation.”
A study conducted by the Delhi State Cancer Institute (DSCI) in 2023 underscored the shifting demographics of colorectal cancer incidence, revealing a notable increase in cases among young adults aged 31 to 40 years.
Dr. Amit Maydeo, Chairman of the Institute of Gastro Sciences at Sir HN Reliance Foundation Hospital, echoed these concerns, attributing the rise in colorectal cancer among young adults to the adoption of Western lifestyle habits and dietary patterns. Factors such as smoking, alcohol consumption, obesity, and inflammatory bowel disease were also identified as contributing factors.
Dr. Jayadevan emphasized the necessity of proactive measures to curb the growing burden of colorectal cancer in India. While colonoscopy remains the gold standard for screening in developed nations, its utilization in India remains limited.
“We are not doing enough to prevent colorectal cancer in India,” Dr. Jayadevan lamented, advocating for a paradigm shift towards proactive screening initiatives. He stressed the importance of offering opportunistic screening colonoscopies to individuals interested in mitigating their cancer risk, beginning at the age of 40.
Contrary to prevailing beliefs, Dr. Jayadevan emphasized that colorectal cancer is not solely confined to non-vegetarians or individuals with a family history of the disease. He urged for a comprehensive approach to screening that encompasses a broader spectrum of individuals, regardless of dietary preferences or family medical history.
As the prevalence of colorectal cancer continues to escalate, healthcare stakeholders emphasize the urgency of implementing targeted interventions to promote early detection and mitigate the impact of this deadly disease on India’s population.
