Chennai: Awareness of colorectal cancer remains critically low in Chennai, with only 11.7 per cent of residents recognising blood in stool as a warning sign, according to a recent survey.
The findings highlight a worrying trend of delayed diagnosis, despite colorectal cancer being largely preventable and treatable if detected early. Experts note that symptoms such as blood in stool, persistent changes in bowel habits, abdominal discomfort, and unexplained weight loss are often ignored or misinterpreted.
The city-level data further reveals that 83.2 per cent of respondents delay visiting a doctor when experiencing bowel changes, while 89.3 per cent rely on self-medication, increasing the risk of late-stage detection. Additionally, 57.1 per cent reported irregular bowel movements, indicating a high prevalence of digestive issues.
At the national level, the survey—covering over 10,000 individuals across 14 cities—points to broader behavioural concerns. Over 80 per cent of respondents were unaware that blood in stool could indicate colorectal cancer, and a majority preferred over-the-counter remedies instead of seeking medical advice. Lifestyle factors such as high consumption of processed food, lack of exercise, and tobacco use were also identified as contributing risks.
With March marking global colorectal cancer awareness efforts, doctors are calling for greater public education, early screening, and timely medical consultation to reduce disease burden and improve outcomes. The survey was supported by Merck Specialities Pvt. Ltd..
