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Apollo Cancer Centres (ACC) has launched a comprehensive screening program called ColFit to detect and prevent colorectal cancer (CRC) in India. The program aims to improve survival rates, reduce treatment costs, and address the concerning trend of late-stage diagnoses. Despite being preventable and treatable, a significant proportion of CRC cases in India are identified at advanced stages, resulting in poor outcomes and higher healthcare burdens.
ColFit focuses on expanding CRC screening among both older and younger populations, emphasizing the importance of early detection. The program uses the Faecal Immunochemical Test (FIT), a non-invasive and highly accurate screening tool that identifies hidden blood in stool, a potential early indicator of CRC. The screening process involves registration, risk stratification, analysis, and diagnosis, as well as follow-up and counseling.
Apollo Cancer Centres’ clinicians stress the need for proactive screening, citing lifestyle factors such as poor diet, sedentary habits, and obesity as major contributors to rising CRC cases. They emphasize the importance of high-fiber diets, regular exercise, and proactive screenings in preventing CRC. The organization also highlights the urgent need to improve survival rates in India, where the five-year survival rate for CRC is less than 40%, one of the lowest globally.
ColFit aims to empower individuals to take control of their health by offering a seamless screening-to-treatment pathway. The program’s multidisciplinary approach involves oncologists, gastroenterologists, and other specialists working together to provide personalized treatment plans. Apollo Cancer Centres urges individuals, especially those with a family history of CRC or persistent symptoms, to prioritize regular screenings.
The organization’s mission is to educate and raise awareness about the preventable nature of colorectal cancer, offer cutting-edge treatments, and promote early detection and better outcomes. By providing a comprehensive approach to CRC screening and treatment, Apollo Cancer Centres seeks to reduce the burden of CRC in India.