Experts sound caution over rise in colon cancer among young adults

Kolkata: Colon cancer, which was once considered a disease of the elderly, is now rising among younger adults at an alarming rate. Doctors in the city said that they are detecting the cancer in an increasing number of patients as young as in their 30s and 40s. They blame an unhealthy diet, including processed food and a sedentary lifestyle, obesity, and low awareness on gut health for this emerging health concern.

"Colorectal cancer is the fifth most common cancer. While this was mostly associated with older adults, we are now seeing many in their late 30s and 40s getting this cancer," said medical and haemato oncologist Sudeep Das of Manipal Hospital EM Bypass.

In contrast to this alarming trend, a survey conducted by Merck Specialities Pvt Ltd found a whopping 91% of Kolkatans do not recognise blood in stool, the most prominent warning sign of colon cancer. March is observed as colorectal cancer awareness month around the globe.

The report on pan-India Lifestyle & Digestive Health Awareness Survey across 14 Indian cities to identify major gaps in colorectal cancer awareness was released in Kolkata on Tuesday. Among the 10,198 respondents across the 14 cities, the sample size for Kolkata was 466 people in the age group of 25 to 55 years.

"We should not be missing symptoms such as persistent bowel habit changes, blood in stool, abdominal discomfort, fatigue, or unexplained weight loss. Colorectal cancer is highly treatable if detected early," said medical and haemato oncologist Poulami Basu of NCRI Hospital Kolkata.

The survey found 76% of the respondents experiencing irritable bowel movement, which is indicative of a high prevalence of digestive symptoms among individuals in the city. But 92% of the participants said they delay seeking professional help even after noticing the bowel habit change for a prolonged time.

"Lifestyle and food habits play a major role in the rising incidence of this cancer. Frequent consumption of processed food, lack of physical activity, tobacco use, and obesity can increase the risk of this cancer. Adopting healthier habits such as a fibre-rich diet, regular exercise, avoiding tobacco, and undergoing routine screening can reduce the risk," said medical and haemato oncologist Sanchayan Mandal of HCG Cancer Hospital, Kolkata.

Health experts said the cancer develops in the colon or rectum as a small growth, which in the long run becomes cancerous. Only in a few cases, doctors found the cancer in the younger population linked to genetics. "Another alarming concern we came across during this survey is that most individuals try home remedies or over-the-counter medication for digestive symptoms. This behaviour delays early diagnosis, whereas this cancer is highly treatable with an 80 to 90% chance of cure if detected in stage 2 and 1 respectively," added Das.