Chandigarh Residents Overlook Digestive Health Risks, Survey Reveals Alarming Awareness Gaps

Gastrointestinal Experts from Tricity Gather to Explain the Dangers of Colorectal Cancer

Chandigarh, — A recent nationwide survey has highlighted a troubling trend among Chandigarh residents: widespread digestive health issues coupled with a significant delay in seeking medical advice. The findings point to a critical lack of awareness about colorectal cancer and other serious gastrointestinal conditions, raising concerns among health experts.

Widespread Digestive Issues Among Residents

The Lifestyle & Digestive Health Awareness Survey, conducted across 14 Indian cities with 10,198 participants aged 25–65, revealed that digestive problems are highly prevalent in Chandigarh:

• 60.5% of respondents experience irregular bowel movements
• 81.5% report a sensation of incomplete bowel evacuation

Despite these symptoms, most individuals choose not to consult a doctor, often relying instead on self-treatment methods.

Preference for Self-Medication Over Medical Consultation

The survey indicates a strong tendency among residents to avoid professional medical help:

• 85% prefer over-the-counter remedies or lifestyle adjustments
• 39.2% would still consider self-medication even when experiencing blood in stool

This reluctance to seek timely medical attention could lead to delayed diagnosis of serious conditions.

Lifestyle Habits Contributing to Digestive Problems

Dr Rakesh Kapoor explains that several lifestyle factors were identified as major contributors to poor digestive health in the city:

• 78% frequently consume outside or packaged food
• 37.2% report tobacco use
• Only 44.3% engage in regular physical exercise

These habits significantly increase the risk of gastrointestinal disorders, including colorectal cancer.

Serious Gaps in Awareness

A major concern highlighted by the survey is the lack of awareness about warning signs and risks:

• 81% do not recognize blood in stool as a warning sign of colorectal cancer
• 79% are unaware that serious digestive diseases can exist without pain

This knowledge gap is a key factor behind delayed diagnosis and treatment.

Expert Warnings on Colorectal Cancer

Medical expert Dr. Gurjeet Singh Chaudhary stresses on the importance of early detection and awareness. According to specialists, colorectal cancer often begins as small growths called polyps in the colon or rectum, which can become cancerous over time if left untreated.
Common risk factors include low-fibre diets, obesity, sedentary lifestyles, tobacco use, and increasing age.
Warning signs to watch for include:

• Persistent changes in bowel habits
• Blood in stool
• Abdominal discomfort
• Fatigue
• Unexplained weight loss

Experts emphasize that colorectal cancer is highly treatable when detected early through screening methods such as colonoscopy.

Delayed Action Could Have Serious Consequences

Dr Jatin Sareen warns that many residents tend to ignore early symptoms and postpone medical consultations. This delay can result in advanced disease stages, making treatment more difficult and reducing survival chances.

Call for Greater Awareness and Preventive Action

The findings underscore the urgent need for increased public awareness about digestive health and colorectal cancer. Encouraging regular screenings, healthier lifestyle choices, and timely medical consultations could significantly reduce the risk and improve outcomes for residents.

Health professionals strongly advise individuals not to ignore persistent digestive symptoms and to seek medical attention promptly to ensure early diagnosis and effective treatment.

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