Apollo Cancer Centres (ACC) has introduced ColFit, a thorough screening program intended to identify and prevent colorectal cancer at an early stage, in response to the increase in colorectal cancer (CRC) cases throughout India.

Renowned doctors of Apollo Cancer Centre Kolkata like Dr. Arpita Sutradhar – Histopathologist; Dr. Sanjiban Patra – Histopathology; Dr. Surinder Singh Bhatia- Director Medical Services; Dr. Mahesh Kumar Goenka – Director Department of Gastroenterology; Dr. Supratim Bhattacharyya- Consultant Surgical Oncology; Dr. Sourish Kumar Roy – Consultant Gastroenterologist graced the launch of #ColFit – The Colorectal Cancer Screening Program in the city.

In addition to addressing the alarming trend of late-stage diagnoses, which currently results in poor outcomes and increased healthcare burdens, this initiative seeks to increase survival rates and lower treatment costs. In India, a sizable fraction of CRC cases are discovered at advanced stages, lowering survival rates and raising treatment costs, even though the disease is highly preventable and treatable with early detection.

ColFit emphasises the value of early detection and works to increase CRC screening in both younger and older populations.

It is important to pay attention to the symptoms that colorectal cancer frequently exhibits. These include ongoing abdominal pain or cramps, rectal bleeding or blood in the stool, unexplained weight loss, and persistent changes in bowel habits (like chronic diarrhoea or constipation). A low-fibre diet, a sedentary lifestyle, obesity, genetic predispositions, and a family history of colorectal cancer are important risk factors. Early detection and prevention depend on the ability to identify these symptoms and risk factors.

The Faecal Immunochemical Test (FIT), a non-invasive, extremely accurate screening method that detects hidden blood in stool—a possible early indicator of colorectal cancer (CRC)—is incorporated into Apollo Cancer Centres’ ColFit program, introducing a novel approach to CRC detection. FIT is a convenient and patient-friendly option because it only requires one sample, has higher sensitivity, and does not require dietary restrictions.

This all-encompassing strategy greatly lowers the risk of CRC progression by ensuring early detection, prompt intervention, and successful prevention.

When caught early, colorectal cancer is one of the most treatable and preventable cancers. Apollo Cancer Centres advises people to make routine screenings a priority, particularly if they have a family history of colorectal cancer or ongoing symptoms. Proactive measures like timely colonoscopies, regular FIT tests, and changing to a healthier lifestyle can help stop the growing incidence of colorectal cancer and save many lives.

For more details, visit: https://apollocancercentres.com/

Priyanka Dutta