NEW DELHI: Marking Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month observed globally in March, cancer specialist Dr Karthik Sahni of Rajiv Gandhi Cancer Institute urged people to remain vigilant about colorectal cancer and undergo timely screening to ensure early detection and treatment.
Describing colorectal cancer as a “silent killer,” Dr Sahni said the disease often presents with mild or common symptoms in its early stages, leading many people to ignore warning signs. He emphasized that timely diagnosis significantly improves the chances of successful treatment and survival.
Dr Sahni noted that while colorectal cancer was previously more common among individuals aged above 50, an increasing number of cases are now being reported among people below 40. He attributed this trend to unhealthy lifestyle habits, including low-fibre diets, high consumption of processed foods, smoking, alcohol use, and lack of physical activity.
He advised people to watch for symptoms such as changes in bowel habits, blood in stool, persistent abdominal pain or bloating, unexplained weight loss, and prolonged fatigue. He recommended consulting a gastroenterologist or cancer specialist if such symptoms persist for more than two weeks.
Highlighting treatment challenges, Dr Sahni said that in advanced stages, patients may require chemotherapy followed by surgery to remove affected portions of the colon or rectum. In some cases, a colostomy procedure is necessary, where an opening is created in the abdominal wall to collect waste in a special bag. He said that while living with a colostomy can initially be physically and emotionally challenging, proper guidance, stoma care training, and modern medical support enable patients to lead normal lives.
Dr Sahni recommended regular colonoscopy screening after the age of 45, especially for individuals with a family history of colorectal cancer. He explained that screening can detect and remove precancerous polyps, preventing the disease from developing.
Experts also advised adopting preventive measures such as maintaining a balanced diet, exercising regularly, avoiding tobacco and excessive alcohol, and prioritising regular health check-ups. Dr Sahni said the awareness month serves as an important reminder that timely screening and informed health choices can help save lives.