A nationwide survey on digestive health has revealed alarming gaps in awareness about colorectal cancer, particularly in Mumbai, where only 18.9% of respondents identified blood in stool as a warning sign of the disease.
The findings, released during Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month at a press conference in Mumbai, underscore how lifestyle habits, delayed medical consultation, and widespread self-medication are contributing to rising risks of gastrointestinal diseases.
The Lifestyle & Digestive Health Awareness Survey, supported by Merck Specialities Pvt. Ltd., gathered responses from over 10,000 individuals aged 25 to 65 across 14 major Indian cities, including Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, Chennai and Pune. It aimed to assess how people interpret digestive symptoms and when they seek medical care.
One of the most concerning findings was that over 80% of respondents nationwide were unaware that blood in stool can signal colorectal cancer, a disease that is highly treatable if detected early.
In Mumbai, the situation appears particularly worrying. Despite being a major metropolitan city with access to advanced healthcare, awareness levels remain strikingly low, with fewer than one in five people recognising key warning signs such as blood in stool or changes in bowel habits.
For your daily dose of medical news and updates, visit: HEALTH
Doctors say this gap in awareness often leads to delayed diagnosis. “Colorectal cancer often begins as small, treatable polyps, but lack of awareness means patients come in at advanced stages,” said Dr Jyoti Bajpai, Lead, Medical and Precision Oncology at Apollo Hospitals, Navi Mumbai. “Symptoms such as persistent bowel changes, blood in stool, unexplained weight loss or fatigue should not be ignored.”
The survey highlights a deeply ingrained tendency among Indians to self-medicate for digestive issues. More than 80% of respondents said they rely on over-the-counter medicines or home remedies for problems such as acidity, constipation or indigestion.
Mumbai mirrors this trend. Around 87.5% of respondents reported managing gastric issues on their own, often delaying professional medical advice. Even more concerning, 27.8% admitted they would self-medicate even after noticing blood in their stool.
“This tendency to normalise or self-treat serious symptoms is dangerous,” said Dr Mubarakunnisa Tonse, Consultant Medical Oncologist at Hiranandani Hospital. “By the time patients seek help, the disease may have progressed significantly.”
The survey also points to lifestyle factors that could be fuelling digestive health issues and increasing cancer risk.
In Mumbai, 86% frequently consume outside or packaged food, nearly half (49.7%) do not exercise regularly, 41.9% reported tobacco use. Nationally, similar patterns emerged. Over half of respondents reported eating outside food at least three times a week, while nearly 55% said they do not exercise regularly. Tobacco use, another known risk factor for gastrointestinal cancers, was reported by nearly 40% of respondents.
“Diet and lifestyle play a crucial role,” said Dr Darshit Shah, consultant medical oncologist at Sir H.N. Reliance Hospital. “Low-fibre diets, processed food, lack of physical activity, obesity and tobacco use significantly increase colorectal cancer risk.”
The survey found that more than 65% of respondents experience irregular bowel movements, yet many choose to ignore these symptoms.
In Mumbai, 58% reported irregular bowel habits, while over half experienced a sensation of incomplete bowel evacuation. Despite this, over 85% said they would first try home remedies or lifestyle adjustments rather than consult a doctor.
Time constraints, embarrassment, fear, and the assumption that symptoms are minor were cited as key reasons for delaying medical consultation.
“Nearly 30% of respondents said they simply don’t have time to see a doctor,” Dr Tonse noted. “This highlights the need for stronger public health messaging that prioritises early consultation.”
Another critical gap identified was the lack of awareness that serious gastrointestinal diseases can develop without pain. Only 22.2% of Mumbai respondents knew that digestive diseases may not always present with pain, making early detection even more challenging.
Additionally, while 21.4% reported a family history of gastrointestinal conditions, hereditary risks remain under-recognised and under-discussed.
Experts emphasise that colorectal cancer is among the most preventable cancers if detected early through screening methods such as colonoscopy.
They recommended paying attention to warning signs like blood in stool, persistent bowel changes and unexplained weight loss,
avoiding self-medication for recurring digestive issues, adopting healthier diets rich in fibre, exercising regularly, and avoiding tobacco,
undergoing routine screening, especially for those with a family history.
“Awareness is the first step,” said Dr Bajpai. “If people recognise symptoms early and seek timely care, outcomes can improve dramatically.”
As India grapples with changing lifestyles and rising non-communicable diseases, the survey serves as a stark reminder that ignoring seemingly minor digestive symptoms could come at a high cost.
