Prof Dr S Subramanian, Founder Chairman and Managing Director of VS Hospitals, Chennai, along with senior oncologists highlighted delayed diagnosis and low awareness during Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month
Low awareness of colorectal cancer symptoms remains a concern, with recent survey findings from Chennai highlighting significant gaps in early recognition.
A nationwide perception audit supported by Merck Specialities Pvt Ltd through the Lifestyle and Digestive Health Awareness Survey has examined how individuals interpret digestive symptoms and when they seek medical consultation.
The findings were presented in Chennai by Prof Dr S Subramanian, Founder Chairman and Managing Director of VS Hospitals; Prof Dr Anita Ramesh, Senior Consultant Medical Oncologist at Kauvery Hospital; Prof Dr S Rajasundaram, Senior Surgical Oncologist and Chief Executive Officer at Iswarya Hospital; and Prof Dr Brig S Viswanath, Senior Consultant Medical Oncologist at Dr Rela Institute and Medical Centre.
Colorectal cancer is emerging as a growing health concern in India, influenced by dietary habits, sedentary lifestyles and limited awareness. March is observed globally as Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month.
The nationwide survey collected responses from 10,198 individuals aged between 25 and 65 years across 14 cities. More than 80 percent of respondents reported self medicating for digestive issues such as acidity and constipation, while over 65 percent experienced irregular bowel movements.
Lifestyle patterns also reflected potential risks, with over 50 percent consuming outside or packaged food multiple times a week and only 45.2 percent reporting regular exercise. Tobacco use was reported by 39.9 percent of respondents.
A notable share of younger respondents reported ignoring symptoms, with 40 percent not consulting a doctor despite experiencing digestive irregularities.
The survey also revealed that over 80 percent of respondents were unaware that blood in stool can be an early warning sign of colorectal cancer.
City specific data for Chennai showed that only 11.7 percent of respondents recognised blood in stool as a warning sign of colorectal cancer.
Delayed medical consultation was also evident, with 83.2 percent of respondents reporting that they postpone visiting a doctor despite changes in bowel habits.
Additionally, 57.1 percent reported irregular bowel movements, while 89.3 percent relied on home remedies or over the counter medication instead of seeking professional advice.
The findings underline the importance of improving awareness and encouraging early medical consultation to support timely diagnosis and treatment.
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