NEW DELHI : Colorectal cancer has become one of India’s fastest-growing health challenges, entering the country’s top five most common cancers for the first time, according to the WHO-International Agency for Research on Cancer (WHO-IARC) GLOBOCAN 2024 India fact sheet. The latest data highlights a worrying rise in cases, reflecting changing lifestyles, dietary habits, and an ageing population.
Colorectal cancer climbs to fourth place
The GLOBOCAN 2024 estimates show 83,577 new colorectal cancer cases were diagnosed in India in 2024, making it the fourth most common cancer in the country. It now ranks behind breast cancer, cancers of the lip and oral cavity, and lung cancer.
This marks a significant jump from GLOBOCAN 2022, when colorectal cancer ranked sixth. The disease also claimed 38,499 lives in 2024, making it the seventh leading cause of cancer-related deaths in India. Among men, colorectal cancer is now the third most common cancer, accounting for 48,536 cases, while among women it recorded 35,041 cases, ranking fifth after breast, cervical, lip and oral cavity, and ovarian cancers.
Why is colon cancer rising fast in India?
Experts believe the surge is driven by a combination of better diagnosis and a genuine increase in disease burden linked to rapid urbanisation and lifestyle changes. According to oncologists, several factors are contributing to the rise:
- Diets high in processed foods and red meat
- Low intake of fibre-rich fruits, vegetables and whole grains
- Obesity and excess body weight
- Physical inactivity
- Smoking and alcohol consumption
- Longer life expectancy
These lifestyle-related risk factors have become increasingly common across urban and semi-urban India, making colorectal cancer a growing public health concern.
Younger Indians are also being diagnosed
One of the most alarming trends is that colorectal cancer is no longer affecting only older adults. Doctors report seeing more patients in their 40s and even younger, reflecting changes in diet, sedentary lifestyles, rising obesity, and other metabolic health issues.
While age remains a major risk factor, younger adults should not ignore persistent digestive symptoms, especially if there is a family history of colorectal cancer or inflammatory bowel disease.
Symptoms that should never be ignored
Early-stage colorectal cancer often causes few symptoms, making awareness crucial. Warning signs include:
- Blood in the stool
- Persistent constipation or diarrhoea
- Changes in bowel habits lasting several weeks
- Unexplained abdominal pain or bloating
- Unexplained weight loss
- Fatigue or anemia
Many people mistakenly attribute blood in the stool to piles or self-medicate for digestive problems, delaying diagnosis until the disease has advanced.
Can colon cancer be prevented?
The encouraging news is that colorectal cancer is considered one of the most preventable and treatable cancers when detected early. Doctors recommend:
- Eating a high-fibre diet rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains
- Limiting processed and red meat consumption
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Exercising regularly
- Avoiding tobacco
- Limiting alcohol intake
Routine screening is equally important. Colonoscopy remains the gold standard for detecting precancerous polyps before they become cancerous, while faecal occult blood tests can help identify hidden blood in the stool and prompt further evaluation.
The latest GLOBOCAN 2024 figures underline India’s ongoing transition from infectious diseases to lifestyle-related illnesses. As colorectal cancer rises into the country’s top five cancers, experts stress that greater awareness, healthier lifestyles and timely screening are essential to reverse the trend
