Did You Know Indians Are Getting Colon Cancer Earlier? Here's What Doctors Want You to Know

Colon cancer has traditionally been linked with elderly people, but doctors are now increasingly noticing a concerning trend. More and more people in their 30s and 40s are being detected with colon and rectal cancer, which was termed a low-risk population. Although the incidence in India is lower than in Western nations, it is alarming enough to sound an alarm bell in medical circles.

In an exclusive interaction with the editorial team of Onlymyhealth, Dr Niti Raizada, Principal Director, Medical Oncology & Hemato-Oncology, Fortis Hospitals, Bengaluru, explained that this is a consequence of how quickly Indian lifestyles have changed over the last two decades. Read ahead to know everything she shared with us.

Why Are Younger Indians at Colon Cancer Risk?

One of the main reasons for this situation is diet. The fibre-rich food habits of Indians are slowly being replaced by processed foods, refined carbohydrates, red meat, and sugar-rich snacks. A low fibre content in food leads to a slowdown in bowel movement, which affects gut health and leads to the possibility of developing cancerous tissues in the colon.

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Additionally, large number of hours of sitting, less physical activity, a growing incidence of obesity, smoking, drinking, and stressful lives, can also raise the risk. Then, ongoing constipation, which is increasingly common among working professionals, can be another factor. As a result of excess time sitting, an increased amount of feces stays in the colon, which makes the poisonous substances come into contact with the colon lining for a long time, which finally can raise increased chances of developing colorectal cancer.

Why Ignoring Early Symptoms of Colon Cancer is the Real Danger

Dr Raizada noted that the other challenge is late presentation. “Young adults tend not to pay attention to the warning symptoms because they think serious illnesses can only affect senior citizens. They might ignore symptoms such as blood in stools, inexplicable loss of weight, abdominal pain, alterations in bowel habits, and persistent laxative or loose motions due to piles, acidity, and work pressure.”

She also emphasised that such symptoms must never be ignored, no matter how old a patient is. Patients with a family history of colon cancer, inflammatory bowel diseases, or inherited predisposition can be at a higher risk and need screening tests in their early life.

As Raizada shared, "Early evaluation of such symptoms is very important because colon cancer can be easily treated if it is detected early. However, because of embarrassment or fear, many young people do not go to a doctor early.”

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Early Prevention of Colon Cancer

As explained earliar, colon cancer is one of the preventable cancers. And, preventing it will not demand drastic steps but persistent lifestyle habits. A diet full of fibre such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes will keep a person’s colon healthy.

Dr Raizada also pointed out that listening to your body is equally important. Early medical attention for persistent symptoms of digestive distress and screening for those at high risk can disclose cancer in a stage where treatment is very effective.

Bottomline

Colon cancers are increasingly seen in younger Indians, mainly because of lifestyle modifications and late presentation, but early intervention and prevention can make a huge difference in saving lives.