Survey flags low colorectal cancer awareness, rising digestive health risks in Bengaluru

An analysis of a nationwide lifestyle and digestive health survey has flagged low awareness of colorectal cancer and widespread digestive health concerns among Bengalureans.

The findings indicate a high reliance on self-medication and delayed medical consultation, raising concerns about late diagnosis of serious gastrointestinal conditions. March is observed globally as Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month.

In Bengaluru, of the 937 respondents surveyed, 88% reported managing gastric issues such as acidity, gas, and indigestion through self-medication. Around 80% said they frequently consume outside or packaged food, while 61.4% reported irregular bowel movements.

The Bengaluru findings are part of a broader survey conducted across 14 Indian cities among 10,198 individuals aged 25 to 65 years. The study, supported by Merck Specialities Pvt. Ltd., a pharma company, pointed to rising digestive health concerns and low awareness of colorectal cancer across urban India.

Awareness low

The survey found that awareness levels remain low, with over 80% of respondents failing to recognise blood in stool as a warning sign of colorectal cancer. A majority – 85.5% – said they would opt for over-the-counter remedies or lifestyle changes if bowel habits changed for a few weeks, while only 14.5% would consult a doctor.

Digestive symptoms were widely reported, with nearly 81% experiencing a sensation of incomplete bowel evacuation at times. Lifestyle-related risks were also evident, with only about 47% reporting regular exercise and 36% reporting tobacco use.

The survey also highlights hesitation in seeking timely care. While 33% cited lack of time as a barrier, fear and embarrassment together accounted for about 50% of responses. Notably, 26% said they would consider self-medication even in cases of blood in stool.

Family history

While 77.8% were unaware that serious digestive diseases can develop without pain, family history of gastrointestinal conditions, including bowel cancer and inflammatory diseases, was reported by 23.5% of respondents, though hereditary risks remain under-recognised.

Suresh Babu MC, Director and Lead Consultant, Medical Oncology, Krishna Institute of Medical Sciences, said colorectal cancer often begins as polyps in the colon or rectum that can become cancerous if untreated. He emphasised that symptoms such as persistent changes in bowel habits, blood in stool, abdominal discomfort, fatigue, and unexplained weight loss should not be ignored, and that screening through colonoscopy enables early detection.

Mansi Khanderia, Lead Consultant, Medical Oncology, Sparsh Hospitals, said the findings reflect a pattern of delayed medical consultation in the city. She noted that frequent consumption of packaged and outside food, along with sedentary lifestyles, increases digestive health risks, and stressed the importance of early medical evaluation.