Credits: vibhuzinsta/Instagram; Canva
Most people rarely give their colon much thought until something goes wrong. But the recent death of television actor Vibhu Raghave at the age of 37 from stage 4 colon cancer has brought urgent attention to a disease that is increasingly affecting younger adults in India.
Raghave, known for his role in Nisha Aur Uske Cousins, publicly revealed his diagnosis in 2022. He shared updates from the hospital, encouraging others to prioritise their health. His case left many stunned, as colon cancer has long been considered a condition that primarily affects older adults. That perception, however, is now rapidly changing.
The Young Are Not Immune
According to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), there has been a noticeable rise in colorectal cancer cases among people under 50 over the past decade. Even the National Cancer Registry Programme (NCRP) reports that colorectal cancer is now among the top five cancers in urban India. It is deceitful, silent, and really good at disguising itself as indigestion or piles.
Experts say that they are seeing more patients in their 30s and 40s who are otherwise healthy, but by the time they go to them, it is often stage 3 or 4. The symptoms are subtle, and people ignore them for months.
Your Lifestyle Could Be a Reason
What is causing the rise in colon cancer? Our lifestyles, mainly. Sedentary jobs, low-fibre diets, processed food binges, lack of exercise, and stress.
“A diet low in fibre and high in red meat is a known risk factor,” says a Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) advisory on colorectal cancer prevention. It goes on to recommend “regular physical activity, routine screening for individuals above 45, and prompt attention to symptoms like blood in stool or changes in bowel habits.”
But most people are not listening. Screening rates for colon cancer in India are abysmally low, especially among those under 50. Colonoscopies are still seen as something you only get if you are old or terribly ill. Not something a healthy 30-something would even consider.
The Symptoms You Should Not Ignore
According to the MoHFW’s cancer awareness portal, warning signs include:
- Persistent changes in bowel movements
- Rectal bleeding or blood in stool
- Cramping or abdominal pain
- Unexplained weight loss
- Weakness or fatigue
Why So Late?
How many of us feel comfortable talking about rectal bleeding at the dinner table? There is a cultural reluctance in India to talk openly about anything bowel-related. It is all whispers until it is too late. There is still a sense of embarrassment when it comes to digestive health, but that delay can be fatal.
Is It Preventable or Treatable? Yes.
Colon cancer is preventable and treatable if caught early. Screening methods like colonoscopy or stool-based FIT (Faecal Immunochemical Test) can detect abnormalities before cancer even develops.
In fact, MoHFW has issued multiple public advisories encouraging annual screenings for high-risk individuals and those over 45. Yet uptake is low, partly because of cost, partly because of fear, and mostly because it is just not seen as necessary.
But it is time we normalise these conversations. If people can talk openly about protein powders and gut health influencers, they can also talk about real gut health like polyps and screenings.
