Apollo Cancer Centres Launches ‘ColFit’
A Comprehensive Colorectal Cancer Screen ing Program Amidst Rising Cases
Chennai, March 26, 2025: In response to th e rise in colorectal cancer (CRC) cases a cr oss India, Apollo Cancer Centres (ACC) has launched ColFit, a comprehensive screenin g program designed to detect and prevent colorectal cancer at an early stage. This initiative aims to improve survival rates, reduce treatment costs, and address the concerning trend of latestage diagnoses, which currently lead to poor outcomes and higher healthcare burdens. Despite being highly preventable and treatable with early detection, a signifi cant proportion of CRC cases in India are identified at advanced stages, resulting in lower survival rates and increased treatment expenses.
ColFit focuses on expanding CRC screenin ing among both older and younger populat ations, emphasizing the importance of ear ly detection. While India’s age-standardized rate (ASR) for CRC remains relatively low at 7.2 per 100,000 males and 5 .1 per 100,000 females, the absolute nu mber of cases is s ubstantial given the co untry’s population of over a billion. More alarming is India’s five-year survival rate for CRC, which stands at less than 4 0%—among the lowest globally. The CONCORD-2 study further highlights a trooubling decline in five-year survival rate s for rectal cancer in certain Indian registri es.
Colorectal cancer often presents with symp toms that should not be overlooked. These include persistent changes in bowel habits (such as chronic diarrhoea or constipation), rectal bleeding or bloo d in the stool, unexpl ained weight loss, and ongoing abdominal discomfort or cramps. Key risk factors inclu de a low-fibre diet, sedentary lifestyle, obes ity, genetic predispositions, and a family hi story of CRC. Recognizing these symptoms and risk factors is critical for early detectio on and prevention.
Apollo Cancer Centres’ ColFit program intr oduces a groundbreaking approach to CRC detection by incorporating the Faecal Imm unochemical Test (FIT), a non-invasive, hig hly accurate screening tool that identifies hidden blood in stool—a potential early ind icator of CRC. FIT requires only a single sa mple, offers higher sensitivity, and eliminat es the need for dietary restrictions, making it a convenient and patient-friendly option.
The ColFit screening process follows a str uctured pathway: Registration and Risk Re
gistration and Ris Stratification: Patients ar e categorized based on risk le vels. Averag
e-risk individuals (aged 45+ with no family history) undergo FIT and stool tests. High-risk patients (with a family hi story, genetic syndromes, or inflammatory bowel disease) are recommended FIT and colonoscopy.An alysis and Diagnosis: Abnormal results pro mpt further analysis of stool samples for oc cult blood or DNA mutations, while colonos copy findings are reviewed f or polyps or tu mours.
Follow-Up and Counselling: Negative cases are advised periodic follow-ups (1-10 years rs), while positive cases receive further ev aluation, including biopsies if necessary.Po st-screening, patients receive counsellingli on lifestyle modifications ations, persona zed screening plans, and genetic counsellin g for high-risk individuals.
This comprehensive approach ensures earl y detection, timely intervention, and effecti ve prevention, significantly reducing the ris k of CRC progression. Dr.Venkatesh Munikr ishnan, Senior Consultant Colorectal & Rob otic Surgeon, Apollo Proton Cancer Centre, stated, “We must shift from reactive care to proactive screening for colorectal cancer. Lifestyle fac tors such as poor diet, sedent ary habits, and obesity are major fiber diet r contributors to ri sing CRC cases. A high-egula r exercise, and proactive screenings can play a pivotal role in prevention. With C olFit, we are making early detection accessi ble through FIT, a simple, non-invasive test that can significantly reduce com plications and improve outcomes.”
Dr. Senthil Kumar Ganapathi, Senior Consu tant – Colorectal & Robotic Surgeon Apollo Proton Cancer Centre, added, “Colorectal c ancer is increasingly affecting both young and elderly populations in India, yet survival rates remain alarmigly low due to late-stag e diagnoses. While countries with establs ished screening programs have seen impro ved outcomes , nearly 50% of CRC cases ar e detected at advanced stages, with an add itional 20% presenting with metastases. Ear ly screening and awareness are critical to r eversing this trend. At Apollo Cancer Centr ntres, we are committed to advancing e arly detection through ColFit, precision treatme nts, and holistic care to improve patient ou tcomes and reduce the burd en of CRC in In dia.”
Mr. Karan Puri, CEO, Apollo Proton Can cer Centre, highlighted the organization on’s m ission: “As a leader in advanced cancer ca re, our goal is not only to treat but also to e ducate and raise awareness a bout the pr eventable nature of colorectal cancer. With cutting-edge treatment s and a multidiscip sciplinary approach, we deliver precision ca re that enhances surv ival rates and quality of life. Our team works closely with patients to develop pe rsonalized treatment plans ta ilored to t heir unique needs. Through Colfit we ai m to empower individuals to take cont rol of their health, ensuring early detection and better outcomes. By offering a seamle ss screening-to-treatment pathw ay, we are committed to reducing the CRC burden in India.”
Colorectal cancer is one of the most preven table and treatable cancers when detected early. Apollo Cancer Centres urges individu uals, especially those with a family history of CRC or persistent symptoms, to prioritize regular screenings. Taking proactive steps such as routine FIT tests, timely colonosco pies, and adopting healthier lifestyles can h elp curb th e rising trend of colorectal canc er and save countless lives.
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