Apollo Cancer Centres has launched a comprehensive screening programme to prevent colorectal cancers. ColFit aims to improve survival rates and reduce treatment costs. ColFit will be available across the country in Apollo Hospitals.
In the US the incidence is approximately 4 in every 1 lakh population whereas in India it is 7.2 per 1,00,000 men and 5.1 per 1,00,000 women. Given the country’s population annually 70,000 new cases are identified while in the US it is around 35,000, said Venkatesh Munikrishnan, senior consultant – colorectal and robotic surgeon at Apollo Proton Cancer Centre.
ColFit will offer screening for persons in the age group of over 45 years for those with no family history. “The most common symptoms related to CRC are rectal bleeding, change in bowel habit (chronic diarrhoea or constipation), weight loss and anaemia. If the symptoms persist for more than six weeks then it is necessary to consult a doctor,” Dr. Venkatesh said.
Apollo Cancer Centres has launched a comprehensive screening programme to prevent colorectal cancers. ColFit aims to improve survival rates and reduce treatment costs. ColFit will be available across the country in Apollo Hospitals.
In the US the incidence is approximately 4 in every 1 lakh population whereas in India it is 7.2 per 1,00,000 men and 5.1 per 1,00,000 women. Given the country’s population annually 70,000 new cases are identified while in the US it is around 35,000, said Venkatesh Munikrishnan, senior consultant – colorectal and robotic surgeon at Apollo Proton Cancer Centre.
ColFit will offer screening for persons in the age group of over 45 years for those with no family history. “The most common symptoms related to CRC are rectal bleeding, change in bowel habit (chronic diarrhoea or constipation), weight loss and anaemia. If the symptoms persist for more than six weeks then it is necessary to consult a doctor,” Dr. Venkatesh said.
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Rectal bleeding is a common symptom and hence ignored, either out of embarrassment or believing it to be piles. With the screening programme the mortality rate is as high as 60% but if picked up early the spread of the cancer can be prevented and lives saved.
Risk factors include low-fibre diet, sedentary lifestyle, obesity, genetic predispositions and a family history of CRC.
At ColFit programme, a faecal immunochemical test is offered. It is a non-invasive, highly accurate screening tool to identify hidden blood in stool, an early indicator of CRC.
Senthil Kumar Ganapathi, senior consultant – Colorectal and robotic surgeon with APCC said nearly half the CRC cases are detected at an advanced stage. Karan Puri, chief executive officer of APCC said in Chennai screening will be offered in Apollo Proton Cancer Centre, the cancer treatment hospital in Teynampet and Vaanagaram.