What is Bowel Cancer
Bowel cancer, also known as colorectal cancer, is a type of cancer that affects the colon or rectum. Although the incidence is lower in India than in the Western world, the five-year survival rate for bowel cancer in India is one of the lowest in the world, at less than 40%. This is likely due to a number of factors, including late diagnosis, poor access to treatment, and inadequate cancer care facilities. There is a need to increase awareness of bowel cancer in India and to improve access to screening and treatment services.
Here are some facts about bowel cancer in India
- According to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), bowel cancer is the 5th most common cancer in India.
- The incidence of bowel cancer is on a gradual rise in India, with an estimated 50,000 new cases reported every year.
- Bowel cancer is more common in urban areas than in rural areas, due to the adoption of a more Western lifestyle.
- The average age of diagnosis for bowel cancer in India is around 50 years, which is younger than in Western countries.
Survival rates for bowel cancer in India are relatively low, with only around 40% of patients surviving for 5 years or more after diagnosis. This is partly due to a lack of awareness about the disease and its symptoms, which can lead to delayed diagnosis and treatment.
However, there are initiatives underway to improve awareness and outcomes for bowel cancer patients in India. The Bowel Cancer Research Foundation, founded by Dr. Samrat Jankar, is committed to providing evidence-based information and outreach programs to help prevent and detect bowel cancer early.
It is important for individuals to be aware of the risk factors for bowel cancer and to undergo recommended cancer screenings, such as a colonoscopy, to catch any potential problems early. With early detection and treatment, the prognosis for bowel cancer patients can be greatly improved.