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Surge in Colorectal Diseases Sparks Concern Among Medical Experts

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Medical experts in India have raised concerns over increase in colorectal diseases, including colorectal cancer, Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), and Crohn’s disease, due to the surge to modern lifestyle habits, Western dietary patterns, and a lack of physical activity.

Over the past decade, colorectal cancer cases have risen sharply, a spike in IBD and Crohn’s disease, which was once rare in India but is now increasingly prevalent.

About Colorectal Diseases

Colorectal diseases, affecting the colon and rectum, are a growing health concern in India. These conditions range from cancerous (e.g., colorectal cancer) to inflammatory (e.g., IBD), functional (e.g., IBS), and benign (e.g., hemorrhoids).

Types of Colorectal Diseases

Colorectal Cancer:

• Originates in the colon or rectum, often from polyps (abnormal growths). If untreated, polyps can become cancerous.
• Rising rapidly, especially in urban areas, now among the top cancers in Indian cities.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD):

• Inflammation of the colon and rectum lining, causing ulcers.
• Chronic inflammation affecting any part of the digestive tract (mouth to anus), commonly impacting the colon and small intestine.
• Once rare, IBD cases are increasing due to industrialization, dietary shifts, and improved diagnostics.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS):

• A functional disorder causing pain, bloating, and altered bowel habits (diarrhea/constipation) without visible bowel damage.
• Extremely common in India, affecting a significant portion of the population.

Diverticular Disease:

• Small pouches (diverticula) form in the colon wall.
• Inflammation or infection of these pouches, causing pain and complications.

Hemorrhoids/Anal Fissures:

• Swollen rectal veins causing itching, pain, or bleeding.
• Small tears in the anus, often due to hard stools, leading to pain and bleeding.

Why Are Colorectal Diseases Rising in India?

Increased consumption of processed foods, red meat, and low fiber (fruits, vegetables) raises colorectal cancer risk.

Sedentary habits and reduced physical activity, particularly in urban areas, contribute to disease risk.

Rising obesity rates exacerbate risks for colorectal cancer and related conditions.

Risk escalates with age, aligning with India’s aging population.

Family history of colorectal cancer or IBD increases individual risk.

Smoking/Alcohol habits elevate colorectal cancer risk.

Disruptions in gut bacteria and infections may fuel IBD; research in this area is ongoing.

Symptoms

• Bowel Changes: Persistent diarrhea, constipation, or narrow stools.
• Rectal Bleeding: Bright red or dark blood in stool.
• Abdominal Discomfort: Cramps, pain, or bloating.
• Unexplained Weight Loss: Sudden, unintentional weight drop.
• Fatigue/Weakness: Chronic tiredness.
• Incomplete Bowel Emptying: Feeling the need to defecate even after a bowel movement.

Diagnosis Methods

• Physical Exam: Doctors assess symptoms and medical history.
• Stool Tests: Detect blood, infections, or abnormalities.
• Colonoscopy: Gold-standard test using a camera-equipped tube to visualize the colon/rectum and collect biopsies.
• Sigmoidoscopy: Examines the lower colon and rectum.
• Imaging: CT/MRI scans or X-rays to identify structural issues.
• Blood Tests: Rule out other conditions and assess inflammation.

Treatment Options

Anti-inflammatory drugs (IBD), antibiotics, pain relievers, and symptom-specific drugs.

High-fiber diets for IBS/diverticulitis; exercise and stress management improve outcomes.

Removes cancerous tissue or addresses severe IBD/diverticulitis.

Chemotherapy/Radiation used post-surgery or for advanced colorectal cancer.

Targeted immune system treatments for IBD (e.g., monoclonal antibodies).

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Source: 

DECCAN CHRONICLE