Chandigarh
9 September 2019
DIVYA AZAD
Increased sedentary lifestyle and an equal increase in number of people suffering from the problems of colon and rectum (and parts of the intestine ) in india calls for a national health program on this issue. Also with a number of quacks minting money in lieu of treating common colorectal problems like piles, constipation, anal fissures etc
situation has become more grim . Dr. Gaurav Maheshwari, Senior Consultant & Head GI surgery said while addressing media persons during a press conference organised to create awareness on “Rising Trends of Colorectal Problems in North India” a team of Doctors from Paras Super Specialty Hospital Panchkula addressed the media person today.
Present on the occasion were, Dr Anupam Goel ,Associated consultant Laparoscopic & Bariatric Surgery, Dr Gurbilas Singh Senior consultant Gastroenterology & Dr Rajan Mittal Associate Consultant Gastroentrology from Paras Hospitals Panchkula.
Speaking on the occasion Dr Guarav Maheshwari said in India there is No National Program, which addresses the colorectal Problems. There are major challenges in India to handle all these things. There are different kinds of colorectal problems like piles, fissure, constipation, colon cancers, and inflammatory bowel disorder. In India there is asocial stigma and taboo attached to colorectal problems. Hence, people feel shy and they have some kind of fear in seeking medical help. In India every person who suffers from this problem, suffers in silence for medical help fr years before they seek Medical advice. He also shared that Fissures and hemorrhoids are common in pregnancy. Women feel shy to share this problem even with family members
Sharing his experience Dr Anupam Goel Said about 36 % of Indian Population is suffering from different kind of Colorectal Problems and there is very low awareness about Colorectal problems in India. In Indian patients suffering from Piles fissures, Fistula or other colorectal problems won’t go to a proper medical practitioner. We have about 1.5 million quacks in this country with different names practicing across the nation. People go to quacks and they make patient’s life miserable since quaks are not trained to handle these kinds of problems. Dr Anupam also shared that these days we are doing majority of Colorectal Surgeries with Laser, Stapler and Laparoscopically on day care basis.
Sharing his experience Dr Rajan Mittal said Colon cancer begins as a small polyp, but some polyps may turn into colon cancer over a period. These polyps can be detected early by colonoscopy and easily removed. Unfortunately, however, very few people opt for colorectal screening. A Simple stool test called Stool test can give a lot of information .
Speaking on this occasion Dr Gurbilas Singh shared that Colonoscopy is the Gold standard investigation to screen all colorectal problem. Colonoscopy is a screening test which is advised at the age of 45 yrs with personal having No history of cancer and at the age of 40 in person having Family history of cancer.
He also said that in our country about 52.1% of the population still don’t use toilets, so when they defecate in open area, they are more prone to these colorectal problems because, whenever they defecate in open air especially women, it is either before the sunrise or after sunset. So they suppress the act of defecation towards the end of the day because of which there is lot of strain on anus and rectum and people are prone for fissures and hemorrhoids. Fissures and hemorrhoids are common in pregnancy. Women feel shy to share this problem even with family members. In India about 25 percent of patients presents directly at stage IV Cf colorectal Cancer and 50 percent of patients with Colorectal Cancer the danger of developing metastatic Colorectal Cancer.
Signs & Symptoms of Colorectal Problems
- Anaemia
- Rectal bleeding or blood in or on the stool
- Change in bowel habits (constipation or diarrhoea)
- Stomach discomfort (bloating, fullness or cramps)
- Feeling of the bowel not emptying completely
- Anal pain or discomfort
- Weight loss for no apparent reason.
Risk Factors for Colorectal Problems :
- Family history of colorectal cancer
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Obesity
- Physical inactivity
- Smoking
- Heavy alcohol consumption
- A diet rich in red or processed meat & inadequate consumption of fruits and vegetables
Prevention of Colorectal Diseases :
- Increasing physical activity and exercising regularly helps maintain weight in the ideal range.
- Ensure a high fiber diet rich in fruits, vegetables, nuts, beans and whole grains.
- Consume calcium rich foods like low fat or skim milk,
- Limit red meat consumption and avoiding processed meats and foods
- Stop smoking and reduce alcohol intake
