March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, marked globally with campaigns to encourage early screening, highlight risk factors, and honour those affected. In India, studies show many patients are diagnosed at advanced stages, making awareness and timely screening especially critical.

Key Facts About Colorectal Cancer

• Second leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide.
• Screening recommended from age 45 to 75; earlier if high-risk (family history, genetic syndromes, inflammatory bowel disease).
• Polyps can be detected and removed before they turn cancerous.
• Symptoms often absent in early stages, which is why proactive screening is vital.

 A study found most colorectal cancer patients in India are diagnosed at advanced stages, underscoring the need for better awareness and screening programs.

COMMON WARNING SIGNS INCLUDE:

• Persistent abdominal pain
• Changes in bowel habits
• Blood in stool
• Unexplained weight loss
• Prolonged fatigue

PREVENTION & EARLY DETECTION

Colorectal cancer is one of the most preventable cancers, and early detection through regular screening (especially colonoscopy) dramatically improves survival. Prevention focuses on lifestyle changes, healthy diet, exercise, avoiding smoking/alcohol, while detection relies on timely screening starting at age 45 or earlier if you have risk factors.

Prevention Strategies

• Dietary Choices

§  Eat more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.

§  Limit red and processed meats (sausages, bacon, deli meats).

§  Increase fibre intake to support colon health.

• Lifestyle Habits

§  Maintain a healthy weight; obesity increases risk.

§  Engage in regular physical activity (150 minutes/week recommended).

§  Avoid tobacco use and limit alcohol consumption.

• Medical Prevention

§  Manage chronic conditions like type 2 diabetes.

§  Some evidence suggests aspirin use may lower risk, but only under medical guidance.

EARLY DETECTION METHODS

1.Colonoscopy

§  Gold standard for screening; detects and removes precancerous polyps.

§  Recommended every 10 years starting at age 45 (earlier if family history).

2.Stool-Based Tests

§  Faecal Immunochemical Test (FIT): yearly.

§  Faecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT): yearly.

§  Stool DNA test (Cologuard): every 3 years.

3.Flexible Sigmoidoscopy

§  Examines lower colon; recommended every 5 years.

4.CT Colonography ("Virtual Colonoscopy")

§  Non-invasive imaging; every 5 years.

COMPARISON OF SCREENING OPTIONS: -

RISKS & CONSIDERATIONS

• Skipping screening is the biggest risk, CRC often develops silently without symptoms.
• Family history (first-degree relative with CRC) increases risk; screening may start at age 40 or earlier.
• Younger adults (30–50 years) are increasingly affected, making awareness critical.

AWARENESS CAMPAIGNS

• March is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month worldwide.
• Initiatives like Webinars, Seminars encourage public participation and highlight the importance of screening

SCREENING METHODS:

§  Colonoscopy (gold standard)

§  Stool-based tests (FIT, FOBT)

§  Flexible sigmoidoscopy

 AYURVEDA SAYS ABOUT COLO-RECTAL DISEASES: -

In Ayurveda, colorectal diseases—including colon cancer—are understood as manifestations of dosha imbalances (Vata, Pitta, Kapha), impaired digestive fire (Agni), and accumulation of toxins (Ama). They are often classified under conditions like Arbuda (tumors) or Gulma (abdominal masses), with emphasis on root-cause correction through diet, lifestyle, and herbal formulations.

Ayurvedic Understanding of Colorectal Disease

Dosha Involvement

§  Vata: Irregular bowel movements, constipation, pain.

§  Pitta: Inflammation, bleeding, ulcers, burning sensation.

§  Kapha: Mucus accumulation, sluggish digestion, growths.

Pathogenesis (Samprapti)

Weak Agni → improper digestion → Ama formation → obstruction in colon channels (PurishavahaSrotas) → tissue derangement (Dhatu dushti) → tumor-like growths (Arbuda).

Causative Factors (Nidana)

• Excessive intake of heavy, oily, processed foods.
• Sedentary lifestyle.
• Suppression of natural urges.
• Genetic predisposition.

AYURVEDIC APPROCH TOWARDS PREVENTION & TREATMENT: -

Dietary Guidance

§  Emphasis on laghuahara (light, easily digestible foods).

§  High-fibre vegetarian diet, avoiding red meat and processed foods.

§  Use of buttermilk, green leafy vegetables, and whole grains.

Herbal Formulations

§  Triphala: Regulates bowel movements, detoxifies.

§  Haridra (Turmeric): Anti-inflammatory, antioxidant.

§  Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia): Immunomodulatory.

§  Rasaushadhi (herbo-mineral preparations) under supervision.

Procedures

·         Panchakarma: Especially Virechana (purgation) and Basti (medicated enema) for colon cleansing.

·         Rasayana therapy: Rejuvenation and strengthening immunity.

Ayurveda views colorectal disease as a disorder of digestion, toxin accumulation, and dosha imbalance. Its strategies—dietary regulation, herbal remedies, Panchakarma, and Rasayana—aim to restore balance and strengthen immunity.

At D.S. Research Centre, the initiatives have always been taken to promote awareness against the disease, encouraging screening & early interventions. Colo-Rectal cancer is both preventable and treatable when detected early. Through healthy lifestyle choices, balanced diet, regular exercise, avoiding tobacco and excess alcohol, we can significantly reduce risk. Equally important is screening, which saves lives by identifying precancerous polyps and early-stage cancers before symptoms appear.

Awareness is the first step, but action is what makes the difference. Encourage family, friends, and communities to talk openly about screening, break the stigma, and prioritize regular check-ups. Together, we can transform knowledge into prevention, and prevention into healthier, longer lives.

Let the campaign be a reminder: early detection is protection, and awareness is empowerment.