New Delhi: Delhi’s young and working-age population is increasingly ignoring early warning signs of colorectal cancer, often resorting to self-medication and delaying diagnosis until the disease reaches an advanced stage, according to a nationwide gut health awareness survey.The Colorectal Cancer Awareness Survey Report, conducted across 14 Indian cities among over 10,000 respondents, found that awareness levels in the capital remain alarmingly low despite easy access to healthcare facilities. Delhi-specific findings, based on responses from 679 people aged 25 to 65, showed that more than 80% failed to recognise blood in stool as a warning sign of colorectal cancer.Doctors warned that this “dangerous normalisation” of symptoms is leading to delayed diagnoses, particularly among younger adults who often dismiss digestive problems as stress-related, diet-induced or temporary.“Blood in stool or persistent bowel irregularities are often brushed aside as minor issues. This delay significantly reduces the chances of early detection,” said Dr Shefali Sardana, medical oncology expert at Indraprastha Apollo Hospital.The survey revealed that nearly 90% of Delhi respondents said they would first turn to over-the-counter medicines, home remedies or lifestyle changes if they experienced constipation, loose motions or other bowel changes for several weeks. Only 10% said they would consult a doctor.“About 65,000 colorectal cancer cases are reported annually in India, and more than 50% result in death due to late detection. This could largely be avoided if people were aware of early symptoms,” said Dr Manish Singhal, medical oncologist at Yashoda Medicity. “Symptoms such as persistent bloating, blood in stool, bowel irregularities, indigestion, repeated loose motions or diarrhoea are often treated with over-the-counter drugs instead of identifying the root cause. By the time patients reach us, the disease is frequently advanced,” he said.Doctors cautioned that colorectal cancer is no longer confined to the elderly. According to the survey, around 40% of younger respondents admitted they ignored digestive irregularities, assuming they were linked to lifestyle habits.“By the time it’s detected, it’s often already stage IV. Only 17.5% recognise blood in stool as a warning sign. This is not an old-age disease,” said Dr Aditya Sarin, consultant medical oncologist at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital.The report also highlighted lifestyle patterns that may be contributing to the rise in cases in Delhi. Over 86% of respondents said they regularly consumed outside or packaged food, while only 35.5% exercised regularly. Nearly 40% reported tobacco use.“Most patients are unaware that colorectal cancer does not necessarily cause pain. They do not seek medical help until it starts hurting,” Dr Sardana said.A lack of awareness about the disease’s “silent” nature emerged as one of the most worrying findings. More than 80% of Delhi respondents were unaware that serious digestive conditions can exist without pain. Over 65% reported irregular bowel movements, while more than 80% said they had experienced a sensation of incomplete bowel evacuation at some point.Doctors stressed that such symptoms should not be ignored, particularly by those with a family history of bowel cancer, polyps or inflammatory bowel disease. One in four Delhi respondents reported such a family history. Colorectal cancer is already among the five most common cancers in India.“Despite access to healthcare in cities like Delhi, awareness about early cancer signs remains shockingly low. The message is simple: if symptoms persist, do not ignore them,” Dr Sarin said.
