Fri Mar 21 16:18:14 UTC 2025: ## Rising Colorectal Cancer Rates in India Prompt Call for Increased Screening
**Chennai, March 22, 2025** – A surge in colorectal cancer cases in India, particularly among younger adults, has prompted leading doctors to urge for widespread screening programs. Experts at a press meet held on Friday highlighted the alarming trend, emphasizing the importance of early detection for successful treatment.
The concern stems from the fact that while colorectal cancer typically affects those aged 50 and above, approximately one-third of Indian cases occur in individuals between 40 and 50 years old. Men are disproportionately affected, according to a press release.
Dr. K.R. Palaniswamy, president of the Tamil Nadu Gastroenterologist Trust, stressed the critical need for increased awareness and screening. He noted that while the disease is treatable, early diagnosis is key, citing mandatory colonoscopies for individuals over 45 in the U.S. as an example. He also mentioned that in India, two out of three diagnosed with this cancer die within the same year due to late diagnosis, with only one in 10,000 developing the disease.
A study by the Indian Society of Gastroenterology, Tamil Nadu Chapter, examining data from 1,200 patients across 23 hospitals in 2021-22, revealed concerning risk factors. One-fourth of patients were smokers, one-third were alcohol consumers, and another third were obese – obesity being a significant risk factor. Surprisingly, two-thirds of patients belonged to lower socio-economic groups, lacking access to screening and treatment. Dr. Ubal Dhus highlighted a 20% rise in colorectal cancer cases nationally over the last decade.
Experts at the press meet also emphasized the effectiveness of simple screening methods like stool tests. These tests can detect invisible blood in the stool, indicative of potential cancer. Positive results would then lead to a colonoscopy, which can detect polyps, cancer, and inflammation, aided now by AI technology to improve detection rates. Dr. P. Basumani underscored that colon cancer is 95% curable with early diagnosis.
The Tamil Nadu Gastroenterologist Trust and Apollo Hospitals are hosting the ‘Colon Cancer Symposium 2025’ on March 22nd to further address these concerns. The event aims to raise awareness and promote early detection strategies to combat the rising incidence of colorectal cancer in India.
First Piper 