India’s Battle with Colorectal Cancer Gets Stronger with ColFit
Newzdaddy Health And Fitness Updates
Synopsis of the Article
Apollo Cancer Centres (ACC) launched ‘ColFit’, a comprehensive colorectal cancer screening program.
Rising colorectal cancer (CRC) cases in India prompted this initiative.
The goal is early detection, reduced treatment costs, and improved survival rates.
India’s CRC survival rate is less than 40%, among the lowest globally.
Common symptoms: bowel habit changes, rectal bleeding, weight loss, abdominal discomfort.
Risk factors: low-fiber diet, sedentary lifestyle, obesity, genetics, family history.
ColFit uses FIT (Faecal Immunochemical Test) – a non-invasive, accurate test.
The screening process includes risk stratification, diagnosis, counseling, and follow-ups.
Experts emphasized shifting from reactive treatment to proactive screening.
Apollo’s mission: promote awareness, early detection, and personalized treatment.
ColFit aims to empower people to prioritize their health and reduce CRC burden.
In a remarkable step to fight the rising cases of colorectal cancer (CRC) in India, Apollo Cancer Centres (ACC) has introduced ‘ColFit’, a dedicated screening program aimed at saving lives through early detection. With colorectal cancer being highly preventable and treatable when caught in time, this initiative couldn’t have come at a better moment.
Over the years, India has seen a concerning rise in CRC cases. Sadly, many of these cases are detected in the later stages when treatment becomes complicated and expensive. Currently, the country’s five-year survival rate for CRC is less than 40%, which is among the lowest in the world. This is worrying, especially when regular screening and early diagnosis could drastically improve survival rates and reduce treatment costs.
Colorectal cancer usually develops silently, with symptoms like changes in bowel habits, chronic diarrhoea or constipation, rectal bleeding, blood in stool, unexplained weight loss, and constant stomach cramps. Risk factors include a low-fiber diet, a sedentary lifestyle, obesity, family history, or inherited syndromes.
Realizing the need for a structured screening plan, Apollo’s ColFit program takes a comprehensive approach. It introduces the Faecal Immunochemical Test (FIT) — a simple, non-invasive test that checks for hidden blood in the stool, which could be an early warning sign of cancer.
What makes the FIT test unique is that it requires just a single stool sample, has high accuracy, and does not require any dietary restrictions. This makes it convenient and user-friendly, especially for people hesitant about invasive procedures.
Here’s how the ColFit screening pathway works:
Registration and Risk Assessment: People are categorized based on their risk levels. If you’re over 45 and have no family history of CRC, you’re considered average risk and recommended FIT and stool tests. High-risk individuals (family history, genetic conditions, or bowel diseases) go for FIT and colonoscopy.
Analysis and Diagnosis: If the FIT test shows abnormal results, stool samples are further analyzed, and colonoscopies check for polyps or tumors.
Counseling and Follow-Up: Negative cases are scheduled for periodic follow-ups, while positive cases undergo further tests, including biopsies. Doctors also guide patients on healthy lifestyle changes and provide genetic counseling for those at high risk.
Dr. Harsh Shah, GI and HPB Cancer Surgeon at Apollo Cancer Centres shared his views, “We need to move from reacting to cancer to preventing it. Lifestyle choices like poor diet and lack of exercise are causing the rise in colorectal cancer. A high-fiber diet, regular workouts, and routine screenings can protect us. ColFit is designed to make early detection simple and accessible, especially through FIT testing.”
Dr. Apurva Shah, Consultant Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist added, “Colorectal cancer is now affecting both young and older people in India. Yet, most cases are diagnosed late, leading to poor survival rates. Other countries have shown that proper screening programs save lives. ColFit is our effort to ensure early detection and better outcomes.”
Speaking on Apollo’s larger mission, Cdr Jelson Kavalakkat, Unit CEO at Apollo Hospitals Ahmedabad, said, “Our focus is not just on treatment but also on spreading awareness about how preventable colorectal cancer is. Through ColFit, we aim to empower people to take charge of their health. With early detection, personalized treatments, and precision care, we hope to reduce the burden of CRC in India.”
Globally, countries with proper CRC screening have significantly improved survival rates. Apollo’s ColFit is designed to replicate that success here in India by giving people easy access to screenings and expert care.
Colorectal cancer is among the most preventable cancers if caught early. Apollo Cancer Centres strongly urge everyone — especially those with a family history or symptoms — not to ignore their health. Simple actions like regular FIT tests, timely colonoscopies, and healthy lifestyle changes can save countless lives.
With ColFit, Apollo is setting a new benchmark in cancer prevention and care, helping India move towards a healthier, cancer-free future.
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