Doctors flag concerns on rising colon cancer cases among adults under 50

The increase in colon or colorectal cancer cases among adults under 50 is concerning said experts on SundayColon 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 BangaloreAccording to the Indian Council of Medical Research ICMR the ageadjusted incidence rate is approximately 43 per 100000 men and 34 per 100000 women with colorectal cancer responsible for about 82 per cent of all cancerrelated deaths in IndiaAccording to experts factors such as diet lifestyle genetics and environmental influences contribute to the development of this diseaseldquoColorectal cancer once predominantly associated with older populations is witnessing a worrying surge among younger adults in India Recent statistics reveal a 206 per cent increase in colorectal cancer rates with a notable rise among those under 50rdquo Dr Neeraj Dhingra Consultant Radiation ampamp Clinical Oncology told IANSColorectal 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 cancerousHistorically colorectal cancer has been more common in individuals aged 50 and above However recent studies indicate a significant shift in this trendA 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 yearsldquoThe increase in cases among adults under 50 is concerning and suggests potential changes in lifestyle diet and other risk factors that disproportionately affect younger generationsrdquo Dr Dhingra saidEarly detection of colorectal cancer is crucial for effective treatment and improved survival ratesCommon symptoms include changes in bowel habits diarrhoea or constipation blood in the stool abdominal pain or discomfort unexplained weight loss and fatigueDr 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 symptomsldquoThe fiveyear survival rate for colon cancer patients in India is between 4050 per cent significantly lower than in many Western countries due to late diagnosis and limited access to healthcarerdquo Dr Jagannath Dixit Senior Consultant Surgical Oncology Aster RV Hospital told IANSThis alarming trend calls for immediate attention and action from both the medical community and public health policymakers said the expertsThey called for preventive measures and regular screening to help reduce the risk of colorectal cancerldquoPrevention strategies include a highfibre diet regular exercise and avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption are crucialrdquo Dr Dixit saidTreatment 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 addedThis story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed agencies Midday accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability trustworthiness reliability and data of the text Midday managementmiddaycom reserves the sole right to alter delete or remove without notice the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever