New Delhi, Aug 11(IANS) The increase in colon or colorectal cancer cases among adults under 50 is concerning, said experts on Sunday.
Colon cancer is becoming a significant health concern in India, ranking as the seventh most common cancer, with higher incidence rates in urban areas like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore.
According to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), the age-adjusted incidence rate is approximately 4.3 per 100,000 men and 3.4 per 100,000 women, with colorectal cancer responsible for about 8.2 per cent of all cancer-related deaths in India.
According to experts, factors such as diet, lifestyle, genetics, and environmental influences contribute to the development of this disease.
“Colorectal cancer, once predominantly associated with older populations, is witnessing a worrying surge among younger adults in India. Recent statistics reveal a 20.6 per cent increase in colorectal cancer rates, with a notable rise among those under 50,” Dr. Neeraj Dhingra, Consultant Radiation & Clinical Oncology, told IANS.
Colorectal cancer originates in the colon or rectum, part of the digestive tract. It typically begins as small, benign clumps of cells called polyps, which over time can become cancerous.
Historically, colorectal cancer has been more common in individuals aged 50 and above. However, recent studies indicate a significant shift in this trend.
A 2023 study by the Delhi State Cancer Institute (DSCI) showed that from people above the age of 50, the incidence of colon cancer is now increasingly shifting to young adults between ages 31 to 40 years.
“The increase in cases among adults under 50 is concerning and suggests potential changes in lifestyle, diet, and other risk factors that disproportionately affect younger generations,” Dr. Dhingra said.
Early detection of colorectal cancer is crucial for effective treatment and improved survival rates.
Common symptoms include changes in bowel habits (diarrhoea or constipation), blood in the stool, abdominal pain or discomfort, unexplained weight loss, and fatigue.
Dr. Dhingra said that given the rise in cases among younger adults, it is essential for healthcare providers to consider colorectal cancer as a potential diagnosis, even in patients under 50 presenting with these symptoms.
“The five-year survival rate for colon cancer patients in India is between 40-50 per cent, significantly lower than in many Western countries due to late diagnosis and limited access to healthcare,” Dr. Jagannath Dixit, Senior Consultant, Surgical Oncology, Aster RV Hospital, told IANS.
This alarming trend calls for immediate attention and action from both the medical community and public health policymakers, said the experts.
They called for preventive measures and regular screening to help reduce the risk of colorectal cancer.
“Prevention strategies include a high-fibre diet, regular exercise, and avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption are crucial,” Dr. Dixit said.
Treatment options range from surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy to targeted therapy and immunotherapy, along with supportive care to manage the physical and emotional impact of the disease, he added.
–IANS
rvt/
Disclaimer
The information contained in this website is for general information purposes only. The information is provided by TodayIndia.news and while we endeavour to keep the information up to date and correct, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the website or the information, products, services, or related graphics contained on the website for any purpose. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk.
In no event will we be liable for any loss or damage including without limitation, indirect or consequential loss or damage, or any loss or damage whatsoever arising from loss of data or profits arising out of, or in connection with, the use of this website.
Through this website you are able to link to other websites which are not under the control of TodayIndia.news We have no control over the nature, content and availability of those sites. The inclusion of any links does not necessarily imply a recommendation or endorse the views expressed within them.
Every effort is made to keep the website up and running smoothly. However, TodayIndia.news takes no responsibility for, and will not be liable for, the website being temporarily unavailable due to technical issues beyond our control.
For any legal details or query please visit original source link given with news or click on Go to Source.
Our translation service aims to offer the most accurate translation possible and we rarely experience any issues with news post. However, as the translation is carried out by third part tool there is a possibility for error to cause the occasional inaccuracy. We therefore require you to accept this disclaimer before confirming any translation news with us.
If you are not willing to accept this disclaimer then we recommend reading news post in its original language.
